Development Programs Coordinator - GPAC

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a Development Programs Coordinator to join Auburn Advancement and The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. This role supports meaningful donor experiences, programs, and fundraising initiatives that advance the university’s mission.

You’ll plan and execute development programs, coordinate events, manage donor communications, and build relationships with donors and volunteers. The position requires collaboration, budget awareness, and frequent travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in public relations and office operations preferred.
• Ability to travel frequently and work non-traditional hours.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and support development programs and events.
• Coordinate logistics, speakers, travel, vendors.
• Assist with fundraising initiatives and donor engagement strategies.
• Develop marketing materials and communications for programs.
• Maintain donor relations and records.

Skills

Public relations

Event planning

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Job Description

Auburn Advancement and The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center are excited to begin the search for a Development Programs Coordinator! Join a dynamic, relationship-driven team where you’ll help create impactful programs, meaningful donor experiences, and fundraising initiatives that advance Auburn University’s mission and future.

Overview

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, Auburn Advancement continues to build momentum and shape the future of philanthropy at Auburn University.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate and Execute Programs and Events: Plan, organize, and support a variety of development programs, services, fundraising initiatives, and special events. Coordinate logistics such as venue setup, speaker selection, travel arrangements, and vendor or contractual needs to ensure seamless execution and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Support Strategic Fundraising Efforts: Assist with the development and management of fundraising initiatives and donor engagement strategies that support Auburn University’s philanthropic priorities. Help ensure programs and services are operating effectively and within budget expectations.
• Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships: Create and maintain strong relationships with donors, prospects, volunteers, and constituents through ongoing communication, stewardship efforts, and personalized engagement opportunities that strengthen connections to Auburn.
• Identify and Cultivate Prospective Donors: Conduct research and outreach to identify, screen, and recommend individuals, corporations, and foundations with the potential to support Auburn University through philanthropy or volunteer involvement.
• Manage Communications and Marketing Efforts: Support the development of marketing and communication materials related to development programs and initiatives, including brochures, newsletters, website content, presentations, and news releases that help share Auburn’s impact and opportunities for engagement.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Meaningful Impact: Your work will directly support Auburn University’s mission and help create opportunities that positively impact students, faculty, research, and programs across campus.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values partnership, innovation, and shared success while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to advancing Auburn.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Experience a role where relationship-building and strategic thinking come together to create meaningful philanthropic impact.
• Culture by Design: Thrive in an environment that champions professional growth, accountability, collaboration, and respect.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops or assists in the execution of programs/services/fundraisers.
• Coordinates, plans, and organizes events to include activities such as set-up, selecting speakers, and/or negotiating contractual obligations for resources and logistical considerations.
• Monitors and may develop programs/services budget and ensures programs/services are operating within specifications.
• Prepares itineraries and makes travel arrangements for those involved in related Development programs/services.
• Creates and maintains records of prospects, contacts, and constituents.
• Identifies, screens, and recommends individuals, corporations, and foundations which qualify as prospective donors to and/or volunteers.
• Provides information to staff, students, constituents concerning Auburn University Development issues and concerns through presentation, inquiry response, and/or memorandums/letters.
• May develop and oversee the marketing function for assigned development programs including (but not limited to) brochures, newsletters, web site and news releases.
• Receives and resolves inquiries and problems.
• Creates and maintains donor relations, solicitation and development.
• 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.

Qualifications

Development Programs Coordinator I

• Bachelor's degree

Development Programs Coordinator II

• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of experience in public relations work and general office operations OR
• Master's degree

Development Programs Coordinator III

• Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience in public relations work and general office operations OR
• Master's degree plus 2 years of experience in public relations work and general office operations

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of EqualOpportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

8/18/2026