Donor Relations Manager

Position Summary

Based in the Secchia Center in Grand Rapids and representing the Advancement Office in the College of Human Medicine, this position will be responsible for oversight of Advancement Operations including management of the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Assistant Director of Stewardship, and Development Assistant. This position will serve as a project manager for annual giving, alumni relations, donor relations, marketing/communications and manage development support for Senior Director and Development Officers.

Operations Management (40%)

• Oversee fund administration and compliance; work with college and department fiscal officers to ensure endowment and expendable fund compliance and spending.
• Implement a process and policy for scholarship awarding accuracy and compliance.
• Advancement team support for LCME accreditation requirements.
• Lead data management and coordinate efforts with University Advancement to ensure consistent and accurate reporting.
• Manage operations team: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Assistant Director of Stewardship, and Development Assistant.
• Manage department budgets.

Alumni Relations, Communications, and Event Management (30%)

• Develop strategy, metrics and standards for alumni relations program.
• Project manager for alumni and donor communications pieces.
• Manage support for development officers in developing proposals and outsource support as necessary to include research, writing, and production of communications pieces.
• Coordinate and implement process for faculty involvement in alumni and donor communications, solicitations, and stewardship.
• Advancement team lead with college and department communications.
• Oversee annual giving initiatives and fundraising campaigns.
• Manage event strategy to help build the pipeline of alumni, current and future donors.

Stewardship and Donor Relations (20%)

• Oversee comprehensive donor relations program to steward all levels of donors from annual giving through principal giving.
• Supervise Assistant Director of Stewardship gathering of accurate data to inform college’s stewardship efforts.
• Collaborate with University Advancement on donor stewardship partnership opportunities and support.

Campaign Communications, Reporting, and Volunteer Management (10%)

• Coordinate with university advancement on campaign reporting.
• Develop CHM campaign collateral.
• Support for CHM campaign volunteer management and events.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in journalism, English, Communications, Business, Liberal Arts, or related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in advancement operations, alumni relations, donor relations, stewardship, event management, data management, marketing/communications, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

5 years in higher education advancement or readily transferable skills and a proven track record of working in a complex environment; management experience; excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills and intellectual curiosity; collaborative team-oriented style. Ability to work with a variety of personality types; experience with all levels of fundraising – annual giving through principal giving; ability to meet tight deadlines; high level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement.

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

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://humanmedicine.msu.edu/

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.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 03/24/2026 at 11:55 PM