Position Title:
Donor Events/Stewardship Specialist
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
70000 - Univer Advance and Mktg VP Office
Advertised Salary:
$48,000 - $55,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Admin/Admin Temp Benefit Plans
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
Just Cause
Summary of Position:
Reporting to the Manager of Stewardship and Donor Relations, the Donor Events Specialist/Stewardship Coordinator at Ferris State University is responsible for donor stewardship and implementation of the organization's events and special meetings, including; fundraising events, donor relations events, dinner parties, and President’s Box for football and hockey, etc.
The Donor Events Specialist/Stewardship Coordinator will work closely with internal events constituents, including the Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing, Associate Vice Presidents, Major Gifts and Alumni, and Annual Giving teams.
This Donor Events Specialist/Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for maintaining communication and tactical relationships among events stakeholders including other university departments, corporate and community partners, and event entities.
In this role, the Donor Events Specialist/Stewardship Coordinator will interact with a variety of audiences including; donors, University leadership, Foundation, Alumni, advisory board members, and event sponsors.
Facilitates completion of all proper paperwork (e.g., event checklists, expense tracking, etc.) according to business standards.
This position will require working occasional nights and weekends.
Required Education:
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Work Experience:
One (1) to three (3) years of experience in donor relations and event management, or a combination of education and experience.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Carrying
- Moving
- Driving
- Lifting
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Manage all aspects of event planning for University Advancement and Marketing, including, but not limited to; Ferris Foundation events, donor events and recognition ceremonies, and President’s Box for football and hockey.
Research and select vendors, conduct site visits, book venues, draft guest lists, finalize contracts, and lead pre-event meetings for events as needed.
Event follow up with donors and guests ensuring impact.
Donor stewardship and cultivation.
Creation and dissemination of donor impact reports.
Develop content for event materials and work with graphic designers to produce.
Plan and facilitate logistics for all events that includes, but not limited to; invitations, preparing venues, and arranging for catering, transportation, equipment, décor, and marketing materials.
Work with UA&M leadership for event invitation lists.
Maintain event budgets and timelines.
Operates university motorized vehicles in a safe manner while performing job duties.
Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Comply with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations at all times.
Work in concert with other University colleges or departments as required.
Uphold Ferris State University’s mission and vision with each event.
Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
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:
Experience in managing budgets and expense tracking.
Professional experience in customer service, sales, marketing, public relations, or communications.
Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding of belongings and opportunity.
Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Thankview videos – creation of campaigns and donor stewardship calendar.
Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities.
Ability to meet deadlines and work within established timeframes.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to successfully interact with a variety of staff, faculty, students, visitors, alumni, and donors, and project a positive public image.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of bachelor's degree. Transcripts must include the institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
February 23, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
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.
