Assistant Director or Director of Development

Position Function:

Mississippi State University operates a centrally coordinated development program with fundraisers assigned to colleges, schools and other participating units. The primary responsibility of the director of development is to coordinate and implement a major gifts program. Secondary responsibilities include coordinating the division’s involvement in other advancement and development programs. The director of development is under the administrative supervision of the team lead for the MSU Foundation in coordination with the director of MSU’s Extension Service, dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and director of MAFES. Primary responsibility is seeking major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Secondary responsibility is involvement in coordinating the college's advancement and development programs.

Salary Grade:  15 for Assistant Director, 16 for Director

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.  

Area of Specialization:

MSU-ES, CALS, and MAFES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop an understanding of the educational, research, operational and financial needs and goals of MSU-ES, CALS, and MAFES and effectively apply fundraising principles
2. Perform needs analysis with the team lead, dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, director of MAFES, director of MSU Extension, and department heads on a continual basis to establish development objectives
3. Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual prospects in coordination with faculty, staff and volunteers through the proper clearance process
4. Assist in coordinating the participation of the college's faculty, administration, advisory board members, volunteers and other members of the development staff in achieving development goals
5. Maintain an approved list of promising major gift prospects in consultation with the Team Lead, Executive Director of Development, and Director of Development Strategy
6. Assist in planning, coordinating, and directing special events for donors and prospects
7. Other duties as assigned by the team lead and the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and director of MAFES and director of MSU Extension
8. Participate in Foundation meetings and activities as necessary
9. Attend MSU Foundation meetings and other staff meetings as necessary
10. Provide weekly contact reports to the Team Lead of the MSU Foundation
11. Travel to make face-to-face visits with current and prospective donors
12. Performs related duties as assigned

This position does not have supervisory authority.

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for the Assistant Director role, you must have a bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, or a related field and two years of related professional experience.

To be considered for the Director of Development role, you must have a bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, or a related field and four years of related professional experience.

Title, rank, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Must be able to meet travel requirements of the position. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Four or more years' direct experience in fund-raising or advancement, preferably in a higher education setting
- Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience preparing timely, accurate, and comprehensive written proposals, reports, and presentations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with university officials, faculty, prominent alumni and friends of Agriculture, i.e., multiple and varied constituencies
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to meet travel requirements of position
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk
- No or very limited physical effort required

Instructions for Applying:

Submit an online application along with a resume and cover letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.