Program Director for Principal Gifts

Oakland University; Northern, Rochester (KY, MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University is seeking a Program Director for Principal Gifts to support strategic philanthropy in University Advancement. You will manage donor engagement mapping, timelines, and high-level activities, coordinating with senior leaders and campus partners to deepen lifetime support for the University.

This role requires crafting proposals, executive summaries, and tailored communications, while ensuring coordination across Prospect Management and Research for the full principal gift

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum four years of experience in advancement, donor relations, engagement, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising processes and donor relationship tactics.
• Ability to manage complex projects across multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate high-level donor engagement strategies and timelines.
• Prepare briefings, agendas, and proposal materials for senior leaders.
• Write proposals, executive summaries and donor communications.
• Collaborate with Prospect Management and Research to oversee principal gift prospects.
• Coordinate regional donor engagement and off-site visits.

Skills

Donor relations

Strategic communications

Project management

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business, Marketing or related area

Job description

Benefits of Working at Oakland University

Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts for our employees, dental and vision plans at no cost for our employees, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for our employees and dependents, free access to our Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs. These are current benefit levels subject to future changes.

Employee Group/Grade

Employee Group/Grade AP Band S

Job Category

Work Schedule

Work Schedule FT/Reg (40 hours)

Shift/Days

This is a full-time position.

Pay Schedule

Pay Schedule Month

Number of Hrs./Wk.

Number of Hrs./Wk. 40

Position Information

Position Information

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business, Marketing or a related area or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in advancement, donor relations, engagement, strategic communications, executive engagement, higher education, or a related field
• Knowledge of fundraising processes, strategy, and relationship management tactics and the role that strategic engagement opportunities play in advancing donor relationships. .
• Ability to establish, maintain and strengthen relationships with significant donors.
• Must be an outstanding project manager, and able to balance complex projects with competing priorities across multiple stakeholders and ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing, executive correspondence, donor communications, and presentation development
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives, boards, trustees, or volunteer leaders.
• Experience coordinating high-profile meetings, events, visits, and relationship-building activities involving senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• This position requires a high level of phone communication, very limited travel and the ability to work events in the evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to translate academic, research, healthcare, and institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Ability to establish priorities and ensure accountability across teams.

All Qualifications

Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Position Purpose

The Program Director for Principal Gifts reports to the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy in University Advancement and works directly with the Office of the President for Oakland University. This position plays a key role in managing the daily and strategic operational functions for the Principal Gifts team through high level strategy and execution of complex donor engagement mapping, managing timelines, and managing considerations associated with high-level donor engagement activities that deepen affinity to the University. This position ensures that briefings, agendas, and all preparation materials are available and communicated in an effective manner. This position will also support strategic, customized prospect communication including writing proposals, executive summaries, white papers and other correspondence. This position will work collaboratively with all levels of the organization, especially Prospect Management and Research, to maintain the organization and oversight of the full principal gift prospect list. Responsibilities include convening campus partners and advising the team on the development of successful coordinated strategies aimed to maximize the life-time engagement and support of these prospects. This position plays a critical role in the coordination of Presidential donor activity and ensuring engagements are thoughtful, intentional, and purposeful. The Program Director will give updates on these prospects and their strategy, next-steps, and needs to the advancement leadership team and the President. The position will coordinate the president’s regional donor engagement and prepare for off – site donor visits and travel.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/15/2026

371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309
248-370-2100