Senior Development Officer

Purdue Research Foundation • West Lafayette, IN

4h

About The Position

Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.

Requirements

• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles required.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and speak before large groups.
• Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of Purdue University.
• Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times required.
• Ability to think creatively and demonstrate excellent problem solving and decision-making skills as well as use good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate effectively.
• Excellent supervisory, relationship building, organizational and time management skills required.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3-5 years of experience in fund development including solicitation of major gifts and/or related work experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni relations, corporate relations, and advancement communications are preferred.
• Ability to continuously improve professional competency through participation of professional education opportunities.
• Experience managing/supervising professional staff preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Senior Director, and working closely with Purdue for Life Foundation leadership and University partners, develop and execute a plan to bring donors to Student Life, Teaching & Learning, PMU, and the University through the active use of the development process, including solicitation of major gifts.
• Supervise development professional and support staff as needed.
• Secure major gifts, aimed at meeting the strategic goals of leadership, their programs, disciplines, and the University.
• Design and implement a comprehensive Advancement program with particular attention to parent fundraising in consultation with the Senior Director and Vice President.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
• Fundraising
• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of Student Life, Teaching & Learning, and PMU, relating to faculty, students, instruction and research.
• Identify, establish, and maintain personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interests and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of meeting Unit and University fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with appropriate advancement and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships.
• Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts.
• Prepare proposals and solicit prospects for gifts in support of Unit fundraising priorities.
• Use the full complement of the fundraising process, including personal visits and “asks” to move relationships forward.
• In partnership with the University leadership and the Purdue for Life Foundation leadership team, explore and develop creative funding models that introduce non-traditional and innovative philanthropic concepts that will build on fundraising success, including, but not limited to parent fundraising.
• Host or co-host receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Provide consultation on stewardship of gifts including acknowledgement process, coordinating recognition events, dedications, and working with the University Development Office on appropriate recognition.
• Planning/Administration
• Set fundraising and management goals on an annual basis in collaboration with the Senior Director and Vice President.
• Provide reports and analyze data regularly on the progress toward Unit annual action plan and goals.
• Assign, instruct/train, and review the work of employees as needed, with direction from the Senior Director.
• Ensure effective records maintenance, including timely filling of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies and contact reports, using the university’s prospect management system.
• Become adept at using the Advancement database in support of major gift activities.
• Provide vision and coordination for Unit advancement and communications activities.
• Provide input to communications targeted at donors and prospects.
• Continually improve professional competency through participation in and/or leadership in professional organizational and other not-for profit organizations.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
• 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
• Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 annually towards medical expenses.
• Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
• Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level