"Executive Director, Constituency Programs"

Executive Director, Constituency Programs

Company: Michigan State University

Job Location:

Category: Development and Fundraising

Type: Full-Time

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Michigan State University in the search for an Executive Director, Constituency Programs.

Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Executive Director, Constituency Programs will be a seasoned strategic leader serving as one of three Executive Directors who guide a cohort of MSU's 29 colleges and units. In this highly visible role, the Executive Director will advance fundraising excellence by providing leadership, direction, and partnership across a diverse portfolio. In close collaboration with each Dean and Director, the Executive Director will be responsible for the recruitment, leadership, supervision, and evaluation of their respective fundraising teams, fostering a positive, collaborative culture grounded in trust, accountability, and shared purpose. They will cultivate high-performing teams aligned with the University's advancement strategy that are empowered, mission-driven, and committed to achieving measurable results together.

As the primary University Advancement liaison, the Executive Director will build trusted relationships and ensures alignment between philanthropic priorities and institutional vision, guiding principal and major gift strategy, removing barriers, and positioning development officers for success in strengthening donor and alumni engagement. The Executive Director will maintain a personal prospect portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and employ a strategic moves management program to ensure movement along the development pipeline.

As the nation's premier land-grant university and first agricultural college, known originally as The Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, Michigan State University was founded with the goal of democratizing higher education and bringing innovation in science and in the arts and humanities into everyday life. MSU has evolved into a world-class university, offering a full spectrum of programs that attracts gifted professors, academic staff, support staff members, and students. The University is part of the Big Ten Conference and, since 1964, has been one of 71 members of the prestigious Association of American Universities. MSU is a top-ranked global university, with 32 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations ranked in the top 25 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, including nine No. 1-ranked programs. MSU is often called Michigan's State University, and for good reason. MSU enrolls more Michigan students than any other university – approximately 35,000 – and more than 275,000 of its more than half a million alums live in state.

A bachelor's degree or knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Agriculture, Science, and/or Business is preferred for this position as is at least eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising, public relations, or marketing. Campaign experience is preferred. Michigan State University will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to MSU, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Michigan State University and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $225,000 to $240,000. Michigan State University offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions, tuition assistance, and generous paid time off.

Michigan State University is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Tonya Malik-Carson at tonyamc@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7418.

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