Position Function:
Mississippi State University operates a centrally coordinated development program with fundraisers assigned to colleges, schools, and other participating units. The primary responsibility of the Director of Development is to coordinate and implement a well-coordinated, strategic major gifts program to cultivate and solicit support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Secondary responsibility is involvement in coordinating the advancement and development programs of various units. The Director of Development is under the administrative supervision of Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations & Team Lead. Further guidance and reporting will be administered by the Executive Director of Development for the MSU Foundation.
Current special projects focus areas for this position include: The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library & Museum, The Mill Renovation Project, MSU-Meridian & its health sciences initiatives, the Judy & Bobby Shackouls Honors College, the President’s Cabinet/Presidential Endowed Scholarships, and other priority areas identified by MSU leadership.
Salary Grade: 15 for Assistant Director / 16 for Director
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Area of Specialization:
Special Projects
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Develop an understanding of the educational, research, operational, and financial needs and goals of the various units and effectively apply fundraising principles
2. Perform needs analysis with the Team Lead and Executive Director of Development on a continual basis to establish development objectives
3. Maintain an approved list of promising major gift prospects in consultation with the Team Lead, Executive Director of Development, and Director of Development Strategy
4. Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual prospects in coordination with faculty, staff, and volunteers through the proper clearance process
5. Travel to make face to face visits with current and prospective donors
6. Draft proposals, concept papers, and reports to solicit and steward new and current donors in collaboration with primary stakeholders
7. Assist in coordinating the participation of faculty, administration, advisory board members, volunteers, and other members of the development staff in achieving development goals
8. Assist with development activities related to special projects and identified MSU needs that arise based on university priorities
9. Assist in planning, coordinating, and directing special events for donors and prospects
10. Participate in Foundation meetings and activities as necessary
11. Attend MSU Foundation meetings and other staff meetings as necessary.
12. Provide weekly contact reports to the Team Lead and Executive Director of Development of the MSU Foundation
13. Perform related duties as assigned by the Team Lead, Executive Director of Development, and Vice President of Development and Alumni
This position does not have supervisory authority.
Minimum Qualifications:
To be considered for the Assistant Director role, you must have a bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, or a related field and two years of related professional experience.
To be considered for the Director of Development role, you must have a bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, or a related field and four years of related professional experience.
Title, rank, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Must be able to meet travel requirements of the position. A valid driver’s license is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Four or more years' direct experience in fund-raising or advancement, preferably in a higher education setting
• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Experience preparing timely, accurate, and comprehensive written proposals, reports, and presentations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with university officials, faculty, prominent alumni and friends of the various units, i.e., multiple and varied constituencies
• Ability to collaborate in a professional manner with both internal and external audiences
• Advanced written communications, analytical thinking, and project management skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and significant external deadlines
• Basic computer skills
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
Instructions for Applying:
Submit an online application along with a resume and cover letter.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
