Executive Director, Development

Purdue for Life Foundation; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

22 vacation days annually

10% employer contribution to retirement plan

Health Savings Account contributions

Tuition discounts at Purdue University

Dental and Vision insurance

Tuition discounts at Purdue University

Job summary

A higher education nonprofit is seeking an Executive Director of Development in West Lafayette, Indiana. This role focuses on leading fundraising initiatives for Purdue University, managing a team of fundraisers, and building donor relationships. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 5–10 years of relevant experience, preferably in higher education. The position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the university's mission and support its community.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of relevant experience in fundraising or leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising.
• Ability to work in person in West Lafayette, Indiana.
• Experience in higher education or non-profit settings preferred.
• Experience with planned giving is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of fundraisers and secure major gifts.
• Set and manage fundraising goals in alignment with university objectives.
• Host donor events and coordinate with university constituents.
• Collaborate with academic leadership and development colleagues.
• Travel as needed and occasional evening/weekend work.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Time management

Relationship building

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Databases

Analytics software

Job description

Executive Director, Development – Purdue for Life Foundation

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to Vice President for Development, College of Engineering and working closely with the Dean of the College of Engineering and academic leadership across the college, the Executive Director of Development will serve as a managing fundraiser for the college.
• Each Executive Director is responsible for leading a team of fundraisers while securing major and principal gifts aimed at meeting the needs and priorities of the university and the College of Engineering.
• Set and manage personal and team goals that align with University and College objectives and comply with current Purdue for Life Foundation fundraising metric model.
• A successful Executive Director should bring energy, optimism, and a collaborative style to Engineering’s development team.
• Frequent travel and evening/weekend work are required.

Fundraising

• Effectively manage a team of fundraisers.
• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with Purdue for Life colleagues and academic partners to plan and execute a successful advancement program for the assigned group.
• Ensure appropriate coordination with corporate/business and private foundation partners and various units and University constituencies.
• Host or co-host receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Be familiar with and understand key initiatives of the College of Engineering relating to physical facilities, faculty, students, instruction, and research.

Administrative

• Ensure effective and accurate records maintenance, including timely fulfillment of prospect requests, prospect strategies, and contact reports.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to create and distribute materials that support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and speak before large groups.
• Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of Purdue University.
• Ability 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.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Excellent relationship building, organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni relations, corporate/foundation relations, and advancement communications is preferred.
• Ability to continuously improve professional competency through professional development opportunities.
• Competent at using databases and analytics in support of development activities.
• Ability to work in person in West Lafayette, Indiana up to 4 days a week when not traveling.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience required.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising in a leadership capacity required.
• Prefer experience in higher education or other non‑profit organizations.
• Prefer experience in planned giving.

Benefits Summary

• 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 $450 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.

Job Level: Management 5

Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Other | Industries: Higher Education