Advancement Events Asst Director / Alumni and Donor Relations Coordinator
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance program
Flexible work schedule
Job Description
Michigan State University (MSU) is a renowned public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, MSU offers a dynamic environment that fosters personal and professional growth. As a leading institution dedicated to shaping tomorrow's leaders, MSU's University Advancement division plays a crucial role in building lasting relationships with alumni, donors, and partners to support the university's mission and strategic initiatives.
The University Advancement Events Team at MSU is seeking an Advancement Events Assistant Director to join their dedicated group of professionals. This full-time position involves playing a ... Show More
The University Advancement Events Team at MSU is seeking an Advancement Events Assistant Director to join their dedicated group of professionals. This full-time position involves playing a ... Show More
Job Requirements
- Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in related field such as business, hospitality business, communications, marketing, theater, or arts management
- One to three years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in event planning and production
- Experience in contractor and vendor contract negotiations
- Experience in developing event budget reports
- Experience in customer service environments
- Experience with database, spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
- Travel required with possession of a valid driver’s license at time of hire
Job Qualifications
- Completion of a four-year college degree in business, hospitality business, communications, marketing, theater, or arts management
- One to three years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in planning and producing institutional or fundraising events
- Experience in contractor and vendor contract negotiations and developing event budget reports
- Experience in customer service environments
- Proficient in database, spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
- Three to five years of professional experience in live event production, experiential marketing, or advancement/alumni relations
- Demonstrated ability to plan and execute high-impact, story-driven events aligned with institutional goals
- Experience with live, virtual, and hybrid event formats
- Deep understanding of audience experience design and emotional pacing
- Ability to segment audiences and tailor content accordingly
- Strong narrative instincts and ability to build events around compelling stories
- Skill in managing expectations, giving and receiving feedback, and building consensus
- Commitment to exceptional customer service, teamwork, open communication, and continuous improvement
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where excellence and empathy matter
- Experience with donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and alumni relations
Job Duties
- Work collaboratively to conceptualize live and virtual events that bring Spartan stories to life using narrative and emotional design
- Lead the planning and production of events that celebrate student achievement, philanthropic impact, faculty excellence, and MSU’s bold future
- Oversee event timelines, content development and milestone completion to ensure experiences are thoughtfully sequenced and strategically aligned
- Manage event budgets and expenses, ensuring consistent updates and adherence to billing expectations
- Coordinate with university leaders, faculty, storytellers, students, and internal teams to develop program content and highlight meaningful personal narratives
- Research venues, formats, and technologies that support immersive storytelling and create a sense of place and purpose
- Manage and direct external contractors and vendors involved in event production, negotiating prices, terms, and conditions of contracts and service agreements
- Participate in physical setup, transport, and disassembly of event materials
- Review and finalize all program content and supporting materials to ensure clarity and impact
- Prepare comprehensive event agendas and run-of-show documents
- Confirm staffing and speaker support including training when needed
- Provide onsite support during events and serve as a key point of contact for program execution and production
- Conduct post-event evaluations gathering logistical feedback and insight into emotional resonance and audience engagement
- Collaborate with alumni and donor volunteers on committees engaged in initiatives on behalf of University Advancement
- Maintain and enhance knowledge of computer systems relevant to event planning and execution
- Contribute to a culture of collaboration, creative risk-taking and continuous learning within the team
Job Qualifications
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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