Development Officer or Senior Development Officer

Purdue Research Foundation; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Vacation days

Retirement plans

Employer contributions

Health Savings Account

Dental and Vision insurance

Tuition discounts

Job summary

The Purdue For Life Foundation is seeking a Development Officer or Senior Development Officer to join the Major Gifts team in West Lafayette. You will cultivate relationships with Purdue alumni and friends, guiding donors through the solicitation process and aligning gifts with university priorities.

This role emphasizes onsite collaboration, strategic planning with executive leadership, strong communication, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Public speaking and presentations to diverse audiences.
• Strong written and oral communication abilities.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans to attract donors to Purdue through the Major Gifts framework.
• Set objectives to advance solicitation of major gifts in line with fundraising goals.
• Identify and engage current and prospective major gift donors.
• Frequent travel and evenings/weekends required.
• Collaborate with team to develop donor strategies and relationships.
• Attend and host donor events locally and regionally.
• Become proficient with Salesforce CRM to support activities.
• Communicate progress toward goals to leadership.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Discretion and diplomacy

Mission articulation

Initiative and teamwork

Relationship building

Donor solicitation

Professional development

Computer skills

Philanthropy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Development Officer or Senior Development Officer

Department: Major Gifts

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Description

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.

As part of the College of Engineering development team, you will play a vital role in advancing Purdue’s world-class innovation and impact. This is a chance to connect passionate donors with transformative projects that shape the future of engineering education and research. You’ll work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team that values initiative, creativity, and relationship building—while seeing the tangible results of your efforts in the lives of students and the success of the University. Your next giant leap starts here!

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the College of Engineering and the University through active use of the development process.
• Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts in accordance with Purdue for Life Foundation’s current fundraiser metric system.
• In consultation with the Executive Director, unit heads, and the Vice President for Development, identify and establish personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of meeting the unit and University fundraising goals.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
• Collaborate with appropriate development and department staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships.
• Set specific goals and objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of annual and major gifts.
• Host, co-host and/or attend development-related receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the various units comprising the College of Engineering.
• Report regularly on the progress toward annual goals and action plans.
• Become adept at using a Salesforce CRM in support of annual and major gift activities.
• Share information with other pertinent development officers in a timely manner to maintain strong collegial relationships.
• All other duties as assigned, including but not limited to serving as a liaison for a unit head.
• Ability to work onsite in West Lafayette, Indiana up to 3 days per week.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Public speaking skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential, including the ability to communicate well in writing.
• Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to use good judgment, maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Ability to articulate the mission of Purdue University as needed.
• Possess initiative and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent relationship building skills, organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Must be able to solicit gifts in person.
• Desire to continuously improve professional competency through participation in professional development opportunities.
• Basic computer skills are essential.
• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles are desired.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Development Officer- Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience required. Experience in development including solicitation of gifts and/or related work experience (e.g., public relations, marketing/sales) with demonstrated success is a plus but not required.
• Senior Development Officer- Minimum of 3 years experience in development, fundraising or alumni relations required. Experience in higher education preferred.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required.

Job Level: Professional 4 / Professional 5

Benefits Summary for eligible employees:

• 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.