Working/Functional Title

Director of Annual Giving/Athletics

Position Summary

As a member of the prestigious Big Ten Conference, Michigan State University Athletics is a self-sustaining unit competing at a high level amongst some of the premier athletics programs within the NCAA. Private support for MSU Athletics plays a crucial role for a department that is fiscally responsible and competing at a high level. By seeking private support from supporters across the country, MSU can offer student-athletes a championship-level opportunity in and outside the classroom and in competition.

The chosen candidate for Director of Annual Giving / Athletics will partner with the Director of Development /Assistant AD Annual Giving & Strategy and many others within the Spartan Fund team on a comprehensive annual giving program. The Director of Annual Giving / Athletics will execute annual giving strategies around donor acquisition, retention, upgrade initiatives, and sport-specific giving campaigns utilizing technology and other methods to connect with potential supporters. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who desires to serve in an important role for one of the preeminent development programs at Michigan State University.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a supervisor and member of the Spartan Fund team, the Director of Annual Giving / Athletics will execute Spartan Fund's annual giving strategies. The Director of Annual Giving / Athletics will supervise a team focused on an annual giving program that includes leadership annual giving, sports-specific giving, membership and renewals, gift processing, and data and analytics. The Director of the Annual Giving will carry a portfolio of leadership annual giving and discovery prospects and will identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts to help grow Spartan Fund membership.  

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with colleagues from University Advancement and MSU Athletics, and under the direction of the Director of Development /Assistant AD Annual Giving & Strategy, the Director of Annual Giving / Athletics shall:

Programmatic Management:

• Help develop and execute a comprehensive annual giving program with specific goals and performance metrics, including but not limited to donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades.
• Build annual giving strategies utilizing technology and using traditional solicitation methods. Find creative ways to connect with donors and prospective donors while promoting a level of understanding about the donor impact and the mission of Spartan Fund.
• Oversees member benefits program for Spartan Fund members, including but not limited to donor experiences, priority seating, and parking.
• Help educate supporters and partners internally and externally about the needs of MSU Athletics and how every dollar will impact the student-athlete experience. Together with colleagues, develop messaging and fundraising materials for annual giving appeals that clearly outline the case for support.
• Support and work with coaches and their staff to coordinate fundraising efforts, plans, and initiatives for their respective sports as it pertains to sport-specific giving assignments determined by Spartan Fund leadership.  

Personnel Management:

Help set clear direction and priorities for professionals on the team. Promote and exemplify excellence through well-defined and measurable goals.

Works collaboratively with Spartan Fund team members to move annual giving donors into assistant and major gift officer portfolios when appropriate.

Works collaboratively with Spartan Fund team members to develop and streamline reports to administrators, head coaches, and other key partners. 

Coordinates with Spartan Fund team memb