Associate Director of Philanthropy, Seidman College of Business - University Development

This position will work closely with the Seidman College of Business Dean’s office, along with university leadership to raise needed funds for college priorities. This frontline fundraising position includes relationship building both internally at GVSU, as well as externally with major gift level individual donors.

Salary and Benefits:

• $60,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

• Collaborate within University Development and the college to develop, monitor, and support all aspects of a comprehensive fundraising program for the college.

• Develop and implement long-range strategies focused on increasing gifts through donor acquisition, donor retention, and upgrading donor giving.

• Build relationships with alumni by sharing impactful stories and requesting philanthropic gifts at the $25,000+ level to support college-based priorities.

• Develop new relationships with individuals by working with the dean, unit heads, additional university colleagues, and current donors to identify potential supporters for the college. Use this information to meet with donors in-person, via Zoom, phone, or other ways of meeting.

• Engage with individuals to grow their understanding, awareness, and support of college programs through written and verbal communication.

• Collaborate with the dean and team, development colleagues, and university leaders on strategy for individuals; work with these same leaders to coordinate and participate in donor meetings.

• Meet yearly goals by evaluating, planning, and implementing strategic fundraising initiatives to support university, academic, and special project priorities.

• Prepare case statements, talking points, and other materials required for special campaigns, projects, scholarships, academic programs, and university initiatives in partnership with college colleagues.

• Utilize a customer relationship management database to retrieve and record relevant information for fundraising, ensuring the integrity of records.

• Attend and participate in events to further develop relationships with individuals on behalf of GVSU and with colleagues across the university.

• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of fundraising, sales, or equivalent experience.

• Ability to build relationships with alumni and community partners.

• Working knowledge of storytelling techniques and strong public speaking skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and cultural humility.

• Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

• Ability to travel occasionally and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff, donors, and prospective donors.

• Excellent spoken, written, and interpersonal communications skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to lead project teams and keep highly detailed projects on track.

• Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, provide documentation, and work well under pressure.

• Proven track record of securing philanthropic support for nonprofit organizations or comparable results within a sales setting.

• Experience working in a complex and political environment in academic, corporate, or private foundation settings.

• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and trust, and must be a visionary, self-starter with a sense of urgency and a clear set of expectations.

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