Position Summary:
This position is responsible for cultivating and expanding relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and supporters of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) throughout Southeast Michigan. This position plays an important role in building GVSU's presence and philanthropic pipeline in the region by identifying new prospects, strengthening relationships with existing supporters, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage with and invest in the university. Working as part of the Philanthropy Team and in partnership with academic and university leaders, this position develops and implements strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors. This role has significant responsibility for managing a portfolio of prospective and current donors and for developing new relationships.
Salary & Benefits:
Minimum starting salary of $95,000 commensurate with experience. Limited benefits package including medical, life insurance, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Primary Duties:
- Develop and implement an annual plan for the Southeast Michigan region to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors in support of short- and long-term university fundraising goals.
- Serve as a primary relationship manager for a portfolio of prospects and donors, including individuals with the capacity to make gifts of $15,000 or more annually. Develop individualized strategies to deepen relationships, identify philanthropic interests, and advance prospects through the fundraising cycle.
- Build and expand GVSU's alumni and philanthropic network throughout Southeast Michigan by identifying new prospects, engaging alumni and supporters, and developing relationships with community leaders.
- Partner with university and academic leaders, faculty, volunteers, and colleagues across Institutional Advancement, including the areas of corporate giving and foundation relations, to develop compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment that align donor interests with university priorities.
- Manage and advance major gift opportunities, including developing strategies, coordinating internal resources, preparing proposals and solicitation materials, and supporting successful gift requests.
- Lead or coordinate projects related to complex philanthropic gifts, working collaboratively with colleagues in Philanthropy, Donor Relations, Gift Planning, Corporate Giving and Foundation Relations.
- Prepare and execute major gift materials, including briefing materials, proposals, stewardship communications, and other donor-facing materials. Collaborate with Donor Relations to develop appropriate stewardship strategies for donors and prospects.
- Track and report relationship management activity using the advancement CRM, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity. Provide regular updates regarding portfolio activity, opportunities, and progress toward fundraising goals.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of donor and prospect interactions, including contact reports, key conversations, strategies, and next steps.
- Maintain an active portfolio of prospects and donors with capacity for significant philanthropic support and consistently move relationships forward through meaningful engagement.
- Represent Grand Valley State University and the Grand Valley University Foundation at university events, alumni activities, community gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and professional organizations throughout Southeast Michigan.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned by leadership.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Bachelor's degree or knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in an appropriate field (e.g., communications, public relations, marketing, business, nonprofit management, or related field).
- Five to seven (5-7) years of fundraising, advancement, relationship management, sales, business development, community engagement, or related experience.
- Demonstrated experience to independently identify, qualify, and build a portfolio of new donor relationships rather than relying on an established donor base.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels of professional experience.
- Ability to identify areas of shared interest between an individual's passions and the priorities and mission of the university.
- Understanding of, or demonstrated ability to learn, the principles of successful fundraising, including prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Strong interpersonal and human relations skills, with the ability to effectively interact with university leadership, faculty, alumni, donors, volunteers, and community members.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage competing priorities, and follow through on commitments.
- Curiosity and a desire to learn about donors, the university, and the communities in which GVSU operates.
- Ability to communicate in a clear, compelling, and persuasive manner that builds confidence and trust.
- Ability to develop and manage projects from inception through completion.
- Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of CRM databases and standard office technology.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Master’s degree.
- Successful higher education fundraising experience in raising major gifts.
- Prior experience working with senior-level executives and professionals.
- Strategic mindset: ability to be forward-thinking and to create long-term relationships for maximum gifts, rather than focusing on single transactions.
- Ability to adapt within formal, confidential, and various business and social settings.
- Proven successful experience working in a complex environment on multiple and diverse projects.
Working Conditions:
- Travel throughout Southeast Michigan and work evenings and weekends as needed.
How to Apply:
Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Institutional Advancement at advancement@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.
Application Deadline:
Application closes Monday October 19, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
