"Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources"

Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

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 a Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Reporting jointly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Executive Director of Constituency Programs, the Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR) will be a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven leader, guiding the advancement efforts for one of the nation's premier agriculture and natural resources programs. As the college's chief development officer, the Senior Director will manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, meet individual fundraising goals, and lead the advancement team in achieving annual targets for fundraising and alumni engagement. This role oversees a team of 11 professionals—including six frontline fundraisers, alumni engagement, and stewardship staff—and works closely with the Dean of CANR as a key member of his leadership team. The CANR advancement program is among the university's highest performing academic fundraising units. With the energy and vision of a new dean, this role offers an exciting opportunity to elevate an already-strong program to new heights. It is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned advancement professional to enhance a robust development operation and play a critical role in advancing one of MSU's most ambitious campaign efforts: Uncommon Will. Far Better World.

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.

Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, the first college at MSU, has a well-established national and international reputation for innovative research, education, extension and outreach. The mission of CANR is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Michigan and the world by advancing knowledge for the management of communities and agriculture, natural resources, and food systems to meet diverse human needs in a sustainable manner. They accomplish this mission through learning, discovery, and engagement. As a community, CANR values: scholarship; providing service to others; cultivating and maintaining partnerships; balance among teaching, research, and outreach and extension activities; creation of basic and applied science and its translation into workable solutions that address critical societal needs; promoting excellence and valuing academic freedom, diversity, equity, and inclusion; accountability to meet the mission and programmatic priorities; and the tradition of the land-grant mission, upon which MSU was founded. The University and CANR are both national leaders and partners in fostering the economic sustainability of the 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 five 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 $180,000 to $200,000 annually.

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/5438.

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