East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Ua Spartan Fund Development 40001279

Area of Interest: Administrative/Business/Professional

Area of Interest: Athletics/Recreation

Area of Interest: PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising
Executive Management

Opening on: Sep 5 2025

Closing at: Sep 5 2027 - 23:55 EDT

Salary Commensurate with Experience

University Advancement

1076177

POSITION SUMMARY

Michigan State University’s Office of University Advancement, in partnership with MSU Athletics, seeks a visionary, strategic and results driven Deputy Athletics Director for Development/Associate Vice President of Advancement. This position will lead and elevate a comprehensive advancement strategy for MSU Athletics. Partnering with the Vice President for University Advancement and the Vice President and Athletics Director, this position will serve as the driver of philanthropic growth and donor engagement for MSU Athletics.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

The job requires: 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; eight to ten years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising in athletics, public relations, marketing, development of budgets, preparation and presentation of case statements and analysis of operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape and execute a long-term, high impact development strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
• Provide oversight to all athletic fundraising operations, including building, leading and mentoring staff for a high performing team.
• Establish and drive ambitious, measurable fundraising goals aligned with university priorities and Athletic Department needs and initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, serving as the lead for top prospects to grow major gift support.
• Collaborate with University Advancement and Athletics leadership on annual and multi-year budget planning, aligning resources with strategic priority and goals.
• Lead policy development for athletic fundraising operations, ensuring compliance with university standards, legal regulations, and NCAA guidelines.
• Prepare and analyze detailed reports and statistical data and implement rigorous data-informed planning processes, using forecasting and portfolio analysis to optimize donor outreach.
• Maintain positive relationships and provide strategic counsel to coaches, athletic administrators, and university leaders on donor engagement best practices and emerging philanthropic trends.
• Provide expert guidance on gift structuring, tax implications and donor stewardship to maximize impact and ensure a high level of service and trust.
• Opportunities for sport oversight
• Other duties as assigned

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape and execute a long-term, high impact development strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
• Provide oversight to all athletic fundraising operations, including building, leading and mentoring staff for a high performing team.
• Establish and drive ambitious, measurable fundraising goals aligned with university priorities and Athletic Department needs and initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, serving as the lead for top prospects to grow major gift support.
• Collaborate with University Advancement and Athletics leadership on annual and multi-year budget planning, aligning resources with strategic priority and goals.
• Lead policy development for athletic fundraising operations, ensuring compliance with university standards, legal regulations, and NCAA guidelines.
• Prepare and analyze detailed reports and statistical data and implement rigorous data-informed planning processes, using forecasting and portfolio analysis to optimize donor outreach.
• Maintain positive relationships and provide strategic counsel to coaches, athletic administrators, and university leaders on donor engagement best practices and emerging philanthropic trends.
• Provide expert guidance on gift structuring, tax implications and donor stewardship to maximize impact and ensure a high level of service and trust.
• Opportunities for sport oversight
• Other duties as assigned