Donor Events Specialist

: Job no: 495665 Work type: Staff Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307 Categories: Administrative Position Title: Donor Events Specialist Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus) Department:

70000 - Univer Advance and Mktg VP Office

Advertised Salary: $48,000 - $52,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements. Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.) 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: Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Donor Events Specialist at Ferris State University is responsible for 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 will work closely with internal events constituents, including the Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing, Associate Vice Presidents, and Major Gifts and Alumni & Annual Giving teams. This position 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 will interact with a variety of audiences, including donors, University leadership, Foundation, Alumni and advisory board members, and event sponsors. Facilitates completion of all proper paperwork (e.g., event checklists, expense tracking, etc.) according to business standards. Position Type: Staff Required Education: Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Work Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in event planning, communications, and/or donor relations. Required Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Moving

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of event planning for University Advancement and Marketing, including Ferris Foundation events, donor events and recognition ceremonies, and President's Box for football and hockey.
• Oversee the planning and execution of many events per year.
• Research and select vendors, conduct site visits, book venues, draft guest lists, finalize contracts, and lead pre-event meetings for events as needed.
• Develop content for event materials and work with graphic designers to produce.
• Plan and facilitate logistics for all events, including, 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.
• 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.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

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 for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• 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

Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Initial Application Review Date: November 13th, 2025 Open Until Position is Filled?: True 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.

Advertised: 27 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: