Leadership Giving Administrator for Athletics

Position Title:

Leadership Giving Administrator for Athletics

Location:

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department:

71401 - Annual Giving Philanthropy Officer 

Advertised Salary:

$52,000-$58,000. Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements. 

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans

FLSA:

Exempt

Temporary/Continuing: 

Continuing

Part-Time/Full-Time:

Full-Time

Union Group:

N/A

Term of Position:

12 Month

At Will/Just Cause:

Just Cause

Summary of Position:

Ferris State University is seeking applications for a Leadership Giving Administrator for Athletics to identify, cultivate, and develop relationships with donors to secure funding for Ferris State University Athletics and the University. This position will have a dual reporting structure, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement within the Ferris Foundation and to the Director of Athletics at Ferris State University.

Position Type:

Staff

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree

Required Work Experience:

Three or more years of fundraising, account management, sales and/or related work in relationship building.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Moving
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Driving
• Repetitive movement
• Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience working in, college athletics.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develops and delivers targeted fundraising and communication programs and materials specific to gift contributions in alignment with strategic initiatives.
• Develops and updates prospect portfolios, evaluates existing strategy, and recommends improvements to leadership.
• Serves as a unit liaison to internal and external constituencies, provides information, and represents the interests of the institution.
• Identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships and identifies solicitation opportunities specifically designed for the generation of gifts to reach capital campaign and program funding goals.
• Discover, engage, and maintain a portfolio of donors in the region, state, and country with an interest in supporting Ferris State University Athletics and Ferris State University.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Ferris State Athletics and University Advancement, ensuring alignment of messaging, strategy, and donor engagement efforts.
• Provide a fundraising strategy for NIL supportive projects and scholarships.
• Engage in a minimum of 140 meetings a year and raising (both originating and collaborating on) at least $800K - $1M in gifts per year.
• Maintain active portfolios of donors and record all engagement, in a timely manner, in Raisers Edge.
• Write effective solicitation letters and proposals and work collaboratively with peers in other fundraising areas including gift planning, athletics development, school development and organizational giving to maximize fundraising productivity. This includes leadership, annual, and major gifts that contribute to Ferris State University Athletics and Ferris State University priorities.
• Coordinate and host donors at events (President’s Box and other University events), under the supervision of the AVP for Advancement, to enhance Ferris State University Athletics and Ferris State University; and provide alumni, donors, and friends a vehicle to build pride and brand awareness of Ferris State University Athletics and Ferris State University.
• Conduct meetings with prospects to develop donor relationships.
• Partner with Annual Giving and Advancement Operations to enhance the leadership annual giving pipeline by identifying current donors who would be a candidate for increase in giving.
• Partner with Foundation & Alumni Association colleagues to identify alumni and impact stories to increase pride and knowledge of the power of philanthropy at Ferris State University.
• Work collaboratively with Ferris State University Athletics, including coaches and faculty, to foster an engaged community of supporters for Ferris State University Athletics and Ferris State University.
• Travel will be expected, as needed, to meet with potential donors.
• Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. 
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. 
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. 
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:

Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic and life experiences.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcripts 1

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree. Transcripts must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript. 

Initial Application Review Date:
 

March 9, 2026

Open Until Position is Filled?:

Yes

Posting Close Date:
 

EEO Statement:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.