Director of Development - COSAM

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn Advancement at Auburn University is seeking a Director of Development (College of Sciences and Mathematics) to lead fundraising initiatives and build strategic partnerships under the leadership of Dean Edward Thomas Jr. The College of Sciences and Mathematics is one of Auburn's largest colleges, offering diverse programs and opportunities for students.

The role focuses on leading a high-performing team, guiding major gift programs, and aligning donor priorities with institutional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.
• Experience leading a team of development professionals.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and oversight to a team of development professionals.
• Oversee major and principal gift efforts with effective solicitation strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, philanthropists, corporations, foundations, and volunteer leaders.
• Manage resources, including budget oversight, and support campaign planning.
• Lead and execute fundraising strategies in alignment with priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Director of Development (College of Sciences and Mathematics) to join our philanthropy team! Under the leadership of Dean Edward Thomas Jr., Auburn University's College of Sciences and Mathematics is one of the largest colleges at Auburn and contributes to the success of all undergraduate students through core courses in science and mathematics. The college offers 24 undergraduate majors, nine minors, and 12 graduate programs, providing students with transformative educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom through research, internships, clinical shadowing, community engagement, and study abroad opportunities. Your leadership and strategic vision will cultivate meaningful relationships and secure transformative support that advances our mission and strengthens Auburn University’s future.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and oversight to a team of development professionals. Set clear expectations, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.
• Drive Fundraising Strategy and Results: Oversee major and principal gift efforts by guiding staff in developing effective solicitation strategies, monitoring progress toward goals, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Cultivate and engage alumni, philanthropists, corporations, foundations, and volunteer leaders to secure philanthropic support. Align donor passions with Auburn University’s vision to address critical funding needs and advance the mission of the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics, benefiting its students, faculty, and staff.
• Strengthen Partnerships and Engagement: Build strong relationships with the College of Sciences and Mathematics Dean, academic leaders, and volunteer groups, ensuring active participation in fundraising efforts. Develop proposals and engagement strategies that keep top prospects informed and connected.
• Oversee Operations and Strategic Planning: Assess team effectiveness, remove barriers to success, and manage resources, including budget oversight. Collaborate with Advancement leadership to refine strategy, support campaign planning, and drive continuous improvement.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Auburn University, the Auburn College of Sciences and Mathematics, and their 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.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy, Suzanne Tatum, and works in close partnership with Edward Thomas Jr., Dean of the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics.

Dean Thomas strengthens the college’s mission through leadership, scholarship, and mentorship. An internationally recognized plasma physicist, Thomas is the first Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics to hold a doctorate from Auburn University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from the Florida Institute of Technology (1989) and a master’s degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1993) before completing his doctorate in physics at Auburn (1996). He was an assistant professor at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee until he returned to Auburn University as a faculty member in 2000.

Thomas began serving as dean of the college in March 2023 after serving as interim dean from August 2021 to February 2023. He is a fellow in the American Physical Society, the Alabama Academy of Science, and the National Society of Black Physicists.

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.

Responsibilities

• Purpose: Lead and execute strategies to secure major and principal gifts in alignment with Auburn University and the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics fundraising priorities. Manage a personal portfolio while guiding team efforts to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with the College of Sciences and Mathematics Dean, academic leaders, volunteer groups, and Advancement leadership to align fundraising strategies and strengthen engagement across the university.
• Innovation: Assess team performance, processes, and strategies to identify opportunities for improvement. Lead change initiatives that enhance effectiveness and build a high-performing, forward-thinking team.
• Production: Oversee team fundraising performance, monitor progress toward goals, and ensure successful execution of solicitation strategies while managing budget resources effectively.

Director of Development I

• Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.

Director of Development II

• Bachelor's degree plus 8 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Driver license, valid and in state

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 Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

9/23/2026