Senior Director of Development, CANR Development Officer IIIS

Working/Functional Title

Senior Director of Development CANR

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University will be a strategic collaborative and results-driven leader guiding the advancement efforts for one of the nations premier agriculture and natural resources programs. As the colleges chief development officer the Senior Director will manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects meet individual fundraising goals and lead the advancement team in achieving annual targets for fundraising and alumni engagement. This role oversees a team of 11 professionalsincluding six frontline fundraisers alumni engagement and stewardship staffand works closely with the Dean of CANR as a key member of his leadership team.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Constituency Programs the Senior Director will serve as the primary liaison between CANR and the broader University Advancement community contributing to a dynamic and collaborative advancement network across MSU.

The CANR advancement program is among the universitys highest performing academic fundraising units. With the energy and vision of a new dean this role offers an exciting opportunity to elevate an already-strong program to new heights. It is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned advancement professional to enhance a robust development operation and play a critical role in advancing one of MSUs most ambitious campaign efforts: Uncommon Will. Far Better World.

CANR continues to lead nationally and globally in fulfilling its academic and land-grant mission with recognized strengths in areas such as packaging plant sciences climate food systems and food security and workforce development. With increased philanthropic investment the college is poised to accelerate its impactimproving outcomes for students advancing Michigans economy and addressing global challenges through research and education

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and to the Senior Executive Director of Constituency Programs:

Fundraising:

• Plans and implements comprehensive strategies for prospects through the donor cycle of identification solicitation and cultivation solicitation and stewardship coordinating activities with development colleagues across campus and the geographic regions where appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with leadership of the College to develop and implement strategies systems and procedures for advancing individual and collective goals and priorities.
• Plans and implements the major planned and principal gifts program for the College.
• Personally develops and manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects with emphasis on 6- and especially 7-figure gifts.
• Provide assistance to donors regarding tax laws policies and procedures and resolves problems in order to maintain a positive image of the University.

Personnel Management:

• Supervises directs motivates and evaluates staff in order to assure consistency quantity and quality of work performed.
• Sets clear direction and priorities for professionals and administrative support staff.
• Promotes excellence through well-defined and measurable goals.
• Leads by example; fosters a work environment that recognizes and rewards team-based efforts. Celebrate current achievements and set clear expectations for future success.
• Actively mentors and trains staff providing frequent opportunities for professional learning and growth.
• Emphasizes retention as a means of increasing capacity and expertise of the team.
• Fully leverage human and financial resources and promote greater efficiency.
• Provides the structure and guidance necessary to promote a high-performance culture that meets the needs and expectations of a successful and diverse alumni community.
• Recruits trains motivates and evaluates volunteers in order to accomplish College goals and objectives.

Programmatic Management:

• Audits internal operations in order to develop standardized procedures and to ensure conformity with established policy.
• Plans hosts and communicates at meetings of the public and University personnel in order to provide information on the college and/or University.
• Develops and monitors budget and expenses in order to ensure stewardship of university resources and alignment with departmental goals.
• Assists in setting both long- and short-term goals/plans in order to determine resources required.
• Collaborates and coordinates activities with the external relations staff including public relations and communication in order to ensure coordination of information to alumni and friends of the College.
• Coordinates the composing editing and publishing of unit and/or University literature related to international fundraising priorities in order to provide staff and volunteers with campaign case statements and progress reports.
• Prepares and interprets statistical data results for College Administrators.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Interacts with:

• Michigan State University Alumni/Individuals/Major Corporations/ /Businesses/Employees and Corporate Leadership - in order to solicit as potential donors handle their donor requests and to cultivate and train them as potential volunteers.
• Faculty - in order to educate and train them on Development direction to seek their advice on needs and to answer funding questions and advise them on funding strategy.
• Staff - in order to train and oversee their work and to establish priorities.
• Department Heads/Michigan State University Executive Management - in order to consult and coordinate work within university structure to aid in the identification of potential donors and gain support of special projects.
• Michigan State University Vice President of University Advancement - in order toto advise on the progress of specific College campaigns.
• Michigan State University Constituency and Regional Fundraising Colleagues - to seek their advice and partnership in the cultivation solicitation and stewardship of major prospects and donors.
• Michigan State University Trustees - to seek advice and obtain assistance for solicitation.
• Peers/Professional Organizations - to obtain advice and council on options being considered for programs.
• Government Agencies/Foundations - to assess current funding priorities and particular donor procedures. Works closely and collaboratively with the CANR Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision over the Associate and Assistant Directors of Development Alumni Relations Coordinator for the College and office support staff.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications Public Relations Marketing and/or Business; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising public relations marketing development of budgets preparation and presentation of case statements and analysis of operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of Agriculture or Science-related field preferred.
• Seven to ten years in professional fund raising preferably five or more progressively responsible professional experience in higher education development; meaningful experience in or knowledge of all key development areas (major giving annual fund planned giving and corporate and foundation relations).
• Proven ability to cultivate solicit and steward leadership gifts at the six- and seven-figure level.
• A track record of success leading a development operation; an approach to management that brings out the best in staff and yields pride ownership and a sense of team effort.
• Superior communication skills and the ability to connect with a variety of audiences clear and effective written and oral presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and successfully execute a significant comprehensive campaign.
• Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.
• The ability to travel regionally and nationally.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin citizenship age disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions

Michigan State University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For additional information regarding this position please reach out to Michael Vann at

#LI-PK1

Work Hours

8 am - 5 pm with possible evening and weekends

Website

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends on December 9th 2025 at 11:55 PM