Senior Development Officer or Development Officer, College of Engineering

Department: Major Gifts

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Description

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. 

• 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.