Development Officer, College of Science at Purdue Research Foundation
Purdue Research Foundation · West Lafayette, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Professional
- Office in West Lafayette
*This position is hybrid with office days located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Only candidates living in the greater Indianapolis area or those willing to relocate will be considered.
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.
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
- Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the unit and the University through active use of the development process, including solicitation of major gifts.
- Secure major gifts aimed at meeting the strategic goals of the unit leadership, their programs, disciplines, and the University, with an expectation of raising a minimum of $1M gifts annually.
- Conduct a minimum of 144 face-to-face donor visits annually, advancing relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- In consultation with the Senior Director of Development, Unit head, and the Associate Vice President for Advancement, 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.
- Provide strategic planning and consultation on the overall Advancement program to College and Department leadership in assigned areas.
- Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
- Collaborate with appropriate development and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships around department and campaign initiatives.
- Set specific goals and objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts.
- Ensure appropriate coordination with Unit’s corporate and business partners and various unit and University constituencies.
- Host or co-host development-related receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
- Provide stewardship of gifts including acknowledgement process, coordinating recognition events, dedications, and working with the University Development Office on appropriate recognition.
- Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the Unit relating to faculty, students, instruction, and research.
- Assist as needed with the Unit staff and University Advancement staff to plan and implement the advancement program for the unit including development, alumni relations, and marketing and communications for advancement.
- Ensure effective records maintenance, including timely filing of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies and contact reports, using Purdue University’s prospect management system.
- Report regularly on the progress toward the Unit’s annual action plan.
- Become adept at using the Advance and Reeher database in support of major gift activities.
- Continually improve professional competency through participation and/or leadership in professional organizational and other not-for-profit organizations.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Familiarity with the programs across the College of Science is desired but not a requirement.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to speak before large groups.
- Ability to articulate the mission of Purdue University as needed.
- Ability to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to use good judgment, diplomacy, maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times.
- 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 have strong problem solving and decision making skills, as well as attention to detail.
- Desire to continuously improve professional competency through participation in professional development opportunities.
- Ability to work a hybrid schedule with up to 4 days a week in the office in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary
- Bachelor's Degree required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in fund development, including solicitation of major gifts and/or related work experience required.
- Experience in higher education or other non-profit organizations is preferred but not a requirement.
Job Level: Professional 4
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 $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.
