Working/Functional Title

Gift Planning Advisor

Position Summary

The Office of Gift Planning in the Individual Giving unit at MSU is seeking a seasoned, independent-working, motivated individual to assist in organization and implementation of comprehensive planned giving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship responsibilities - focusing in the Midwest part of the United States with primary focus on Chicago, Minneapolis, and the state of Ohio, in concert with college directors of development and central development fund raising staff/management. Preferred candidates will reside within commutable distance to the East Lansing area and work primarily on-campus, however strong candidates living near major metros within the region and will work remotely may be considered.

As a Regional Gift Planning Advisor, the successful candidate will research selected individuals to develop strategy for and cultivate potential planned and major gift donors. In addition, the Regional Gift Planning Advisor will possess and enhance a comprehensive knowledge of gift planning strategies and vehicles, along with an understanding of tax and trust laws applicable to the basic estate planning fundamentals, including estate and gift tax, income tax, transfer of property, trusts and wills, and privately held assets.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising -

• Possess, with a drive to continually enhance, a comprehensive knowledge of gift planning strategies and vehicles, along with an understanding of tax and trust laws applicable to the basic estate planning fundamentals, including estate and gift tax, income tax, transfer of property, trusts and wills, and privately held assets.

• Provide counsel to donors, their advisors and advancement colleagues regarding tax laws, policies and procedures and resolving problems to maintain a positive image of the University.

• Initiate and/or participate in identification, cultivation, and solicitation activities with the university’s major gifts officers and college/unit development colleagues.

• Develop and maintain consistent professional relationships with college/unit development officers, central fundraising colleagues, university administration, and faculty.

• Timely response to requests from donors and potential donors; follow up and cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities as appropriate.

• Prepare individual and regional operating plans in collaboration with college/unit colleagues, regional major gift officers, and the Office of Gift Planning.

• Participate and assist in planning for alumni and donor events in the appropriate region.

• Regular travel within the region, and occasional travel to Michigan State University for remote employees living in the region.

• Occasional after hours and weekend special events.

Communications, Research, and Stewardship -

• As assigned, assist in developing proposals, review marketing materials, strategies, and technology in support of Office of Gift Planning programs and initiatives.

• Indirectly consult with the Office of Gift Planning leadership on tasks and projects as assigned.

• Research selected individuals to identify, develop strategy for, and cultivate potential planned and major gift donors.

• Maintain donor/prospect records to ensure proper gift accounting, receipting, and accurate historical information regarding gifts, conversations, and documentation.

• Exhibit excellent interpersonal communication skills expressed in the form of letters, business correspondence/emails, and personal conversations.

• Assist in the planning and implementation of gift planning training and seminars.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

• Supervision is received from the Director of Gift Planning.

Minimum Requirements

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; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fund raising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Travel involving automobile, airlines, and rail; must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive experience in professional fundraising, trust administration, wealth management, marketing, or related field.
• Possess a working knowledge of tax laws governing charitable giving and charitable estate planning including bequests, split income gifts, current giving, charitable, and general estate planning.
• Fundraising experience at an institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to speak in public and in small group environments.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work style.
• Strong work ethic.
• Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development techniques and practices.
• Ability to “close” current and future gifts and/or business deals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Michigan State University’s mission, culture, and values, with an appreciation for its land-grant heritage and alumni community.

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

Interested in joining the team at Michigan State University? For questions, contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu. 

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Work Hours

8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends

Website

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 May 12, 2026, at 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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