Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual Giving, the Leadership Annual Giving Officer (LAGO) is a key contributing member of the Michigan State University Annual Giving team, that helps to grow leadership gifts from key constituent audiences at MSU. LAG is defined as annual gifts in the $1,000-$10,000 range, with donations that support colleges and units across the University.

The LAGO is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of 200 donors/prospects. The successful candidate will also work with team members on messaging, strategy, and outreach around the Leadership Annual Giving levels and help organize small cultivation events to engage and develop LAG donors.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement pursuant to the University’s Hybrid/Remote Work Policy. Travel and evening/weekend work is required.

Essential Functions:

Fundraising:

• Qualifies, cultivates, and solicits alumni, parents, and friends capable of making gifts of $1,000 or more; retaining and increasing giving from existing donors; and increasing donors and dollars from various affinity audiences.
• Meet and exceed a set number of metrics, including but not limited to 180 visits (in person and virtual), 30 solicitations, $250,000 dollars raised and referrals to major gift portfolios.
• Make donor referrals to university wide major gift officers as appropriate.

Programming:

• Works with the Senior Director of Annual Giving and other Advancement team members to manage the programming components of various events, including drafting and coordinating communications and offering event support.
• Assists, where needed, in regional events, homecoming, and other important university-wide special events focused on cultivating donors.

Communications/Interpersonal Relationship:

• Collaborates with colleagues throughout Advancement and with Development and Engagement Colleagues to ensure effective, efficient, and coordinated fundraising strategies to align donors philanthropic interests with various priorities across campus.

Other:

• Utilizes Ascend database to track and record moves, asks, and outcomes, including contact reports, proposals, and gift commitments.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, and/or Business; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, higher education fundraising, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, liberal arts, communications, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in development, demonstrating a successful track record in solicitation efforts.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence necessary to engage in face-to-face and/or phone solicitations.
• Ability to inspire and generate excitement, shared purpose, and action; excellent communication skills (both written and oral) while also being a good listener.
• Experience working effectively in a complex higher education setting, developing and sustaining productive and effective relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, parents, volunteers, colleagues, and senior leadership.
• Positive and creative manner of approaching issues; strong analytical skills and professional judgment; personal comportment consistent with our core values.
• Willing to travel and work evenings, as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.