Senior Corporate Development Officer

Purdue for Life Foundation; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays

Accrue up to 22 vacation days

10% employer contribution to retirement plan

Health Savings Account

Tuition discounts for employees and dependents

Job summary

The Purdue for Life Foundation in West Lafayette, Indiana, is seeking a Professional 5 to lead corporate fundraising strategies. This role involves managing a portfolio of corporate prospects and collaborating with various university units to maximize philanthropic outcomes. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience in fundraising or corporate relations. Benefits include 10 paid holidays, vacation accrual, and retirement plan contributions. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Purdue alumni and students.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, corporate relations, or business development.
• Experience in cultivating and closing corporate gifts and sponsorships.
• Extensive proposal writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute corporate fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a portfolio of corporate prospects.
• Collaborate across university units for cohesive strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of corporate interactions.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Project management

Fundraising software proficiency

Written and oral presentation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM software

Job description

Department: Mitch Daniels School of Business

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. Your next giant leap starts here.

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate fundraising strategy for the Mitch Daniels School of Business: Develop and execute strategies that unify efforts across Purdue for Life Foundation (PFLF), the Office of Industry Partnerships (OIP), and Purdue University, maximizing philanthropic outcomes.
• Build and manage a portfolio of corporate prospects, aligning corporate interests with university and school priorities such as scholarships, research and capital projects.
• Collaborate across units: Attend Purdue Indianapolis Fundraising Strategy meetings and maintain a regular presence in the Daniels School of Business. Coordinate closely with the Daniels School of Business fundraising team and business partnerships office.
• Serve as a strategic connector: Bridge operational gaps between OIP and PFLF, ensuring corporate philanthropic opportunities are identified, pursued, and managed.
• Report progress: Regularly update senior leadership on goals, metrics, and action plans. Evaluate impact and ROI, especially during pilot phases.
• Maintain stewardship: Oversee stewardship activities for corporate grants and gifts.
• Provide guidance: Offer expert assistance in preparing and soliciting corporate partners, including proposal development and submission. Mentor junior staff as needed.
• Coordinate across campus: Facilitate regular meetings with deans, department heads, program directors, faculty, and other constituents to ensure cohesive fundraising strategies.
• Maintain records: Utilize the University’s CRM for prospect assignments, strategies, and contact reports. Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all corporate interactions and activities.
• Conduct regular face‑to‑face visits, attend on/off‑campus events, and represent Purdue University and the Daniels School of Business at corporate events.
• Willingness to travel (locally and nationally) and work occasional evenings or weekends.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including the demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and make presentations before large groups.
• Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation, and the Daniels School of Business as needed.
• Exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex academic programs to corporate stakeholders. Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• The ability to represent the University/Foundation with tact and diplomacy at all times is required.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively are required.
• Strong computer skills including familiarity with fundraising software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of and top‑level contact with local, regional, and national corporations and foundations whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of strategically meeting the fundraising goals established by Purdue Indianapolis, Purdue University, and the Purdue for Life Foundation.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in fundraising, corporate relations, business development, preferably in higher education.
• Proven experience in cultivating and closing corporate gifts, sponsorships, or grants.
• Extensive proposal writing experience.

Job Level: Professional 5

*Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.

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.