Michigan State University Hiring for Asst Dir of International Corp/Found Rel / Development Officer I at East Lansing Full Time

Job no: 880015
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 12
Major Administrative Unit / College: University Advancement
Department: Constituency Program Dir 1 40001223
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional, PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly
Working/Functional Title

Asst Dir of International Corp/Found Rel

Position Summary

OVERVIEW

Michigan State University has been working internationally for more than 60 years and is home to renowned scholars and scientists from around the globe as well as a vibrant and diverse community of undergraduate and graduate students. MSU leverages international partnerships with scientists and practitioners from academia, the government, the private sector, and strategically chosen research and development organizations to create new knowledge and explore innovative and practical solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

The growth of Michigan State University’s international work is inextricably linked to the establishment of the Office of International Studies and Programs (ISP) in 1956. As a university-level office under the leadership of an associate provost and dean, ISP supports international activities throughout MSU, working to mobilize the institution’s research and scholarship, enhance study abroad and other educational programs, form and strengthen international partnerships, and welcome and support international visitors, scholars, and students.

With MSU’s continued expansion of and emphasis on internationally focused research, programs, and initiatives, the university is seeking an Assistant Director of International Corporate and Foundation Relations to build relationships with and philanthropic support from international corporations and foundations – both US-based as well as in-country (particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America). The Assistant Director will lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of international corporations and foundations focusing on commitments up to $100,000 level. This position will require some international travel.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Director of International Corporate and Foundation Relations plays a vital role in creating successful strategies for engaging and working with internationally focused corporations and foundations. The Assistant Director is responsible for maintaining and cultivating a portfolio of international corporations and foundations (US-based and in-country). The Assistant Director will coordinate and direct activities that will ensure regular and increased support from these organizations to fulfill the international goals and priorities of Michigan State Universities and key colleges and units. Activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship:

• Manage a portfolio of 75 international corporations and foundations, both US-based and in-country.
• Identify, cultivate, maintain, and build relationships with assigned corporate and foundation donors and prospects, both US-based and in-country.
• Assist in the development of strategies, systems, and procedures for advancing the goals and priorities of Michigan State University, key colleges and units, and International Studies and Programs with these corporate and foundation donors and prospects.
• Act as liaison to an assigned set of corporate and foundation donors and prospects to develop and maintain their interest in MSU’s internationally focused research, programs, and initiatives with the objective of increased funding. Accomplished through consistent and relevant communication, as well as meetings with corporate and foundation program staff both in the United States and in-country (particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
• In pursuit of support, actively seek and develop new corporate and foundation relationships for MSU’s internationally focused research, programs, and initiatives.
• Manage cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned corporate and foundation donors and prospects.
• In collaboration with college/unit Directors of Development, as well as with the central Corporate and Foundation Relations team, work with administrators, deans, department heads, and faculty to develop and submit proposals consistent with funder programs and policies and ensure appropriate contacts between MSU and corporate and foundation representatives.
• Coordinate follow-up on successful proposals ensuring timely submission of narrative and financial reports.
• Develop cultivation and stewardship activities for assigned corporate and foundation donors and prospects. These activities may fall outside of normal working hours due to time zone differences.
• Arrange strategic visits for MSU leadership and faculty members with assigned corporate and foundation prospects and donors both in the United States and in-country (particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
• Create briefings and appropriate materials for meetings and staff ISP Dean (and other leadership) during international and stateside travels.

Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Monitor assigned corporate and foundation donor/prospect strategies and funding interests with the objective of identifying potential alignment with MSU/ISP international priorities and faculty research, education, and outreach activities.
• Become knowledgeable about and conversant with the University’s international research, programs, and initiatives, as well as with current relationships with assigned corporate and foundation donors and prospects.
• Gather and disseminate information on funding opportunities for assigned corporate and foundation donors and prospects to faculty and administrators.
• Collaborate and cooperate with members of the Foundation Relations and Corporate Relations Teams as well as with Advancement colleagues to advance fundraising priorities and achieve strategic goals.
• Working with university advancement and college communicators, as well as central and college CFR colleagues, develop regular touchpoints highlighting MSU’s international work that aligns with specific programs and priorities of the corporations and foundations. Work with college leadership to determine the appropriate sender and recipients. Create follow-up process.
• Set up regular meetings with Deans and Research Deans of relevant colleges and units to learn and document their international strategic priorities and programming. This position requires heavy meeting schedules around ISP housed international initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting:

• Direct report to the Senior Director of International Advancement
• Dotted line report to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations
• Dotted line report to the Senior Director of Corporate Relations

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 public relations, professional and higher education, fundraising, marketing, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position may require some international travel; a valid driver’s license and passport are required.

Desired Qualifications

The successful candidate will have experience working internationally, will enjoy international travel, and will be adept at working within multiple cultural contexts. They will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and will be team-oriented. Individuals sought for this role will have the ability to understand quickly and translate clearly and succinctly faculty research and its value to potential funders.

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• One to three years in sales, fundraising (professional, higher education, and/or international), or experience in another strongly related field such as international development, is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working within multiple cultural contexts. Ability to engage respectfully across cultures is key to this role.
• Knowledge of a foreign language(s) and/or experience living abroad, particularly in Africa, Asia, or Latin America is highly desirable.
• Candidate should be goal-driven, show strong initiative, and be a self-starter. Intellectual curiosity is key to assisting faculty with funding proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, and detail-oriented.
• Strong writing, editing, and prospect research skills to assist in proposal development.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex and diverse institution.
• High comfort level working with people in leadership positions.
• A collaborative team-oriented style is highly desirable.
• Some international as well as domestic travel is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions

How to apply:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment at [email protected].

All candidates must submit an application and resume through the Michigan State University Human Resources web-based system. The URL for that website is careers.msu.edu. Please indicate the position number 880015 when submitting your application.

We will continue to evaluate applications until the position is filled.

Work Hours

8 am – 5 pm with some evenings and weekends

Website

https://advancement.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends on 7/18/23 at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Jul 11, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 25, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time