Foundation Specialist

Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department: Univer Advance and Mktg VP Office

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Summary of Position: Serves as a key point of contact for the Foundation and Advancement Team and provides administrative support to the Associate Vice President for Advancement/Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation, the Director of Leadership Giving/Associate Director of The Ferris Foundation, and philanthropy officers. Position requires a significant degree of decision-making and independent action. Interacts tactfully and diplomatically with the campus community, vendors, donors, community members, and other University constituents. Position reports to the Associate Vice President for Advancement/Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation.

Position Type: Staff

Required Education: Bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent (see below). Satisfactory completion of two years of college or equivalent. The listed requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. We may consider any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Equivalency for education: Two years of full-time, related work experience equals one year of education. Required Work Experience: Three years of relevant leadership experience. Experience with computer software applications, preferably Microsoft Office and a customer/donor database.

Physical Demands: Office Environment, Moving, Reaching, Sitting, Twisting, Pulling/Pushing, Repetitive movement, Standing Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Provide responsible, independent administrative support for the Associate Vice President/Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation and the Director of Leadership Giving & Relationships/Associate Director of The Ferris Foundation. Coordinate and manage various office tasks, including budgeting assistance, to ensure smooth department operations. Communicate effectively and promote a positive image of University Advancement and The Ferris Foundation. Coordinate a variety of University Advancement duties that require discretion and/or judgment. Manage executive calendars, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements. Receive information in various forms and determine the appropriate processing method. Provide positive interactions with donors, external and internal constituents, and staff at all levels, operating with courtesy and professionalism. Create, maintain, and update files and recordkeeping systems. Disseminate information that may require explanation and interpretation of established university and departmental policies and procedures, and direct individuals to sources of additional information. Manage multiple, rapidly changing priorities to meet the office's needs. Prepare and process office documents, including purchase orders, contracts/service agreements, and travel requests and expense reports, for the Associate VP for Advancement/Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation and the Director of Leadership Giving/Associate Director of The Ferris Foundation. Independently answers inquiries from a variety of internal and external sources, providing explanation and interpretive information on policies, practices, and procedures. Requests, searches for, retrieves, and analyzes information from a variety of internal and external sources, and compiles it in a usable format. Compiles data and produces materials for presentations and proposals. Composes, drafts, proofreads, and edits correspondence, reports, meeting minutes, and other material. Assists in planning major events/meetings. Serves as the main point of contact for administrative work for the Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. Coordinates correspondence for the Associate Vice President/Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation and the Director of Leadership Giving/Associate Director of Ferris Foundation. Respond to donor inquiries and follow up with appropriate responses. May supervise student workers. Serve as liaison within and outside the University with a variety of constituents. Work with confidential documents and issues. Assist with record-keeping, filing, and archival maintenance. Provide administrative assistance to Philanthropy Officers as needed. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws. Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws. 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: Work some nights and weekends.

Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated experience working independently, organizing own work, and coordinating others' work activities. Be exceptionally well-organized and detail-oriented. Be proactive, resourceful, and efficient. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Competency with grammar and proofreading skills. Coordinate projects and workflow in an efficient manner. Be tactful and courteous at all times. Successfully interact with a diverse range of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and visitors in various situations. Plan, organize, and make sound judgments and decisions. Perform relevant research. Work cooperatively in a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere. Respond appropriately, efficiently, and positively to direction from supervisors and others. Perform complex computer operations using a variety of software applications. Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences. Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume, Unofficial Transcript 1Optional Documents: Unofficial Transcript 2Special Instructions to Applicants: Initial Application Review Date: October 19, 2026. Open Until Position is Filled?: YesEEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. 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.