Senior Development Officer or Development Officer, College of Engineering

Purdue Alumni Student Experience (PASE); West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

Vacation accrual up to 22 days

403(b) and Roth retirement plans with

8-10% employer retirement contribution

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Dental and Vision insurance

Tuition discounts at Purdue

Job summary

Purdue For Life Foundation is seeking a Senior Development Officer or Development Officer for the College of Engineering. You will lead donor engagement, plan major gift solicitations, and collaborate with university partners to meet fundraising goals.

The role requires travel, strong communication and relationship-building skills, and proficiency with Salesforce CRM. A bachelor’s degree and U.S. driver's license are required; hybrid work is offered in a West Lafayette, IN setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2+ years of development experience for Development Officer; 3+ years for Senior Development Officer.
• Experience in fundraising and donor relations in higher education is preferred.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the College of Engineering and the University.
• Set objectives to progress toward solicitation of major gifts.
• Identify and contact current and prospective major gift donors.
• Travel and evening/weekend duties may be required.
• Collaborate with staff to develop prospect strategies and relationships.
• Use Salesforce CRM to support annual and major gift activities.
• Report progress toward goals and stay aligned with unit/University fundraising goals.
• Serve as liaison for unit heads and represent the University professionally.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Judgment and discretion

Mission articulation

Initiative and teamwork

Relationship building

Organization and multitasking

In-person donor solicitation

Professional development

Basic computer skills

Philanthropy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Job description

Senior Development Officer or Development Officer, College of Engineering

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.

Department Major Gifts Employment Type Full Time Location Purdue for Life Foundation Workplace type Hybrid

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the College of Engineering and the University through active use of the development process.
• Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts in accordance with Purdue for Life Foundation’s current fundraiser metric system.
• In consultation with the Executive Director, unit heads, and the Vice President for Development, identify and establish personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of meeting the unit and University fundraising goals.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
• Collaborate with appropriate development and department staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships.
• Set specific goals and objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of annual and major gifts.
• Host, co-host and/or attend development-related receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the various units comprising the College of Engineering.
• Report regularly on the progress toward annual goals and action plans.
• Become adept at using a Salesforce CRM in support of annual and major gift activities.
• Share information with other pertinent development officers in a timely manner to maintain strong collegial relationships.
• All other duties as assigned, including but not limited to serving as a liaison for a unit head.
• Ability to work onsite in West Lafayette, Indiana up to 3 days per week.

Required Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Public speaking skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential, including the ability to communicate well in writing.
• Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to use good judgment, maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Ability to articulate the mission of Purdue University as needed.
• Possess initiative and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent relationship building skills, organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Must be able to solicit gifts in person.
• Desire to continuously improve professional competency through participation in professional development opportunities.
• Basic computer skills are essential.
• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles are desired.

Required Education, Experience And Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Development Officer- Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience required. Experience in development including solicitation of gifts and/or related work experience (e.g., public relations, marketing/sales) with demonstrated success is a plus but not required.
• Senior Development Officer- Minimum of 3 years experience in development, fundraising or alumni relations required. Experience in higher education preferred.
• Valid U.S. driver's license required.

Job Level

Professional 4 / Professional 5

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.

About Purdue For Life Foundation

The Purdue for Life Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Purdue for Life views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all Foundation-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

Purdue for Life will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.

A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position.