Senior Major Gifts Officer- Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

Auburn University • Auburn, AL

49d

About The Position

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Senior Major Gifts Officer in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to join our philanthropy team! This position plays a pivotal role in advancing the college's strategic priorities through philanthropic investment. The Senior Major Gifts Officer will build and strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to secure principal-level support that drives Auburn University's mission forward. What You'll Do: Lead Strategic Fundraising: Collaborate with the Dean, Director of Development, and University Advancement to design and implement fundraising strategies that achieve annual and long-term goals, focusing on securing principal gifts of $1 million or more. Cultivate and Solicit Donors: Identify, engage, and solicit major and principal gift prospects through personalized outreach, meaningful interactions, and compelling proposals that align donor interests with Auburn's mission. Provide Leadership and Mentorship: Offer strategic guidance, coaching, and support to advancement staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Steward and Strengthen Relationships: Ensure thoughtful stewardship through ongoing communication, events, and recognition that demonstrate the lasting impact of donor support. Why You'll Love It Here: Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Auburn University and its priorities. Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference. Purpose Driven Work: Align your passion and fulfillment to your work, where you're trusted to reach your full potential and achieve your pinnacle career experience. Culture by Design: Thrive in a culture that champions respect, accountability, and professional development. Now is the perfect time to join Auburn Advancement, a dynamic team encompassing Operations and Strategy, Culture and Talent, Engagement, Philanthropy, and Communications. Under the visionary leadership of Senior Vice President Rob Wellbaum - a seasoned and respected advancement professional - our organization is set to revolutionize the future of Advancement. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is a vibrant and innovative environment at Auburn University. Under the dynamic leadership of Dean Mario Eden, the college has reached new heights in research and education. Dean Eden has been instrumental in advancing the colleges programs. His visionary leadership in process systems engineering, sustainability, and energy solutions continues to propel Auburn forward as a premier hub for engineering excellence. The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours, and is therefore expected to operate with high-levels of autonomy

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of experience in gift solicitation, development, fundraising, marketing, or portfolio management.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of experience in gift solicitation, development, fundraising, marketing, or portfolio management.
• Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of experience in gift solicitation, development, fundraising, marketing, or portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Fundraising: Collaborate with the Dean, Director of Development, and University Advancement to design and implement fundraising strategies that achieve annual and long-term goals, focusing on securing principal gifts of $1 million or more.
• Cultivate and Solicit Donors: Identify, engage, and solicit major and principal gift prospects through personalized outreach, meaningful interactions, and compelling proposals that align donor interests with Auburn's mission.
• Provide Leadership and Mentorship: Offer strategic guidance, coaching, and support to advancement staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Steward and Strengthen Relationships: Ensure thoughtful stewardship through ongoing communication, events, and recognition that demonstrate the lasting impact of donor support.
• Secure principal gifts that empower the college to fulfill its mission and advance Auburn's strategic priorities.
• Provide vision and direction for fundraising efforts, setting a tone of excellence and collaboration.
• Develop creative approaches for donor engagement and campaign initiatives to inspire transformative giving.
• Achieve individual and unit fundraising metrics through consistent outreach, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

Benefits

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees