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Working/Functional Title

Associate VP/Deputy Athletics Director

Position Summary

Michigan State University’s Office of University Advancement, in partnership with MSU Athletics, seeks a visionary, strategic and results driven Deputy Athletics Director for Development/Associate Vice President of Advancement. This position will lead and elevate a comprehensive advancement strategy for MSU Athletics. Partnering with the Vice President for University Advancement and the Vice President and Athletics Director, this position will serve as the driver of philanthropic growth and donor engagement for MSU Athletics.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Shape and execute a long-term, high impact development strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.

+ Provide oversight to all athletic fundraising operations, including building, leading and mentoring staff for a high performing team.

+ Establish and drive ambitious, measurable fundraising goals aligned with university priorities and Athletic Department needs and initiatives.

+ Cultivate relationships with donors, serving as the lead for top prospects to grow major gift support.

+ Collaborate with University Advancement and Athletics leadership on annual and multi-year budget planning, aligning resources with strategic priority and goals.

+ Lead policy development for athletic fundraising operations, ensuring compliance with university standards, legal regulations, and NCAA guidelines.

+ Prepare and analyze detailed reports and statistical data and implement rigorous data-informed planning processes, using forecasting and portfolio analysis to optimize donor outreach.

+ Maintain positive relationships and provide strategic counsel to coaches, athletic administrators, and university leaders on donor engagement best practices and emerging philanthropic trends.

+ Provide expert guidance on gift structuring, tax implications and donor stewardship to maximize impact and ensure a high level of service and trust.

+ Opportunities for sport oversight

+ Other duties as assigned

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Interacts with:

+ Athletic Director– in order to advise on the progress of development activity across programs and to develop fundraising strategies.

+ Constituency Fund Raising Staff - in order to work collaboratively in the shared interest of donors

+ Department Heads/Michigan State University Executive Management - in order to consult and coordinate work within University structure to aid in the identification of potential donors and gain support of special projects.

+ Michigan State University Associate Vice President and Vice President - in order to advise on the progress of specific campaigns.

+ Michigan State University Trustees - in order to seek advice and obtain assistance for solicitation.

+ Peers/Professional Organizations - in order to obtain advice and council on options being considered for programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is received from the Vice President for University Advancement, and the Athletic Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

+ Functional and administrative supervision is exercised over all Athletics development teams through the Senior Directors and Directors of Development.

Education/Experience

The job requires: 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; eight to ten years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising in athletics, public relations, marketing, development of budgets, preparation and presentation of case statements and analysis of operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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 Degree

Bachelors

Minimum Requirements

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Shape and execute a long-term, high impact development strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.

+ Provide oversight to all athletic fundraising operations, including building, leading and mentoring staff for a high performing team.

+ Establish and drive ambitious, measurable fundraising goals aligned with university priorities and Athletic Department needs and initiatives.

+ Cultivate relationships with donors, serving as the lead for top prospects to grow major gift support.

+ Collaborate with University Advancement and Athletics leadership on annual and multi-year budget planning, aligning resources with strategic priority and goals.

+ Lead policy development for athletic fundraising operations, ensuring compliance with university standards, legal regulations, and NCAA guidelines.

+ Prepare and analyze detailed reports and statistical data and implement rigorous data-informed planning processes, using forecasting and portfolio analysis to optimize donor outreach.

+ Maintain positive relationships and provide strategic counsel to coaches, athletic administrators, and university leaders on donor engagement best practices and emerging philanthropic trends.

+ Provide expert guidance on gift structuring, tax implications and donor stewardship to maximize impact and ensure a high level of service and trust.

+ Opportunities for sport oversight

+ Other duties as assigned

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Interacts with:

+ Athletic Director– in order to advise on the progress of development activity across programs and to develop fundraising strategies.

+ Constituency Fund Raising Staff - in order to work collaboratively in the shared interest of donors

+ Department Heads/Michigan State University Executive Management - in order to consult and coordinate work within University structure to aid in the identification of potential donors and gain support of special projects.

+ Michigan State University Associate Vice President and Vice President - in order to advise on the progress of specific campaigns.

+ Michigan State University Trustees - in order to seek advice and obtain assistance for solicitation.

+ Peers/Professional Organizations - in order to obtain advice and council on options being considered for programs.

Desired Qualifications

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Interacts with:

+ Athletic Director– in order to advise on the progress of development activity across programs and to develop fundraising strategies.

+ Constituency Fund Raising Staff - in order to work collaboratively in the shared interest of donors

+ Department Heads/Michigan State University Executive Management - in order to consult and coordinate work within University structure to aid in the identification of potential donors and gain support of special projects.

+ Michigan State University Associate Vice President and Vice President - in order to advise on the progress of specific campaigns.

+ Michigan State University Trustees - in order to seek advice and obtain assistance for solicitation.

+ Peers/Professional Organizations - in order to obtain advice and council on options being considered for programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is received from the Vice President for University Advancement, and the Athletic Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

+ Functional and administrative supervision is exercised over all Athletics development teams through the Senior Directors and Directors of Development.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions

University Advancement and MSU Athletics has contracted TurnkeyZRG to conduct the search for this position. Any interested candidates should contact Chad Chatlos, Managing Director at www.zrgpartners.com directly.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/22/2025

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.

Website

https://advancement.msu.edu/

Department Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities through community with more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.