Development Officer, College of Engineering - #1406481

Department: Engineering

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Description

*Hybrid position with office days located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Candidates would need to reside within the greater West Lafayette, Indiana area or be willing to relocate to 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.

Are you a seasoned fundraising professional ready to take your career to the next level? The Purdue for Life Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Development Officer to partner directly with senior leaders in one of the nation’s top engineering programs. This is a high-impact role suited for someone with a proven track record in major gift fundraising, strategic relationship management, and donor engagement. If you're passionate about higher education and energized by the opportunity to shape the future of Purdue University through transformational philanthropy, we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful. Join a mission-driven team where your experience will make an immediate and lasting difference. Your next giant leap starts here- Apply Today!

Essential Functions

• Work in direct partnership with the Executive Director, SAVP, Dean of the College of Engineering, and school heads to advance the College’s private fundraising efforts.
• The Development Officer is responsible for securing major gifts aimed at meeting the strategic goals of the College’s leadership, its programs, and disciplines.
• Provide vision and leadership by planning and executing fundraising efforts while managing expectations and balancing resources to achieve transformational success.
• Orchestrate and realize the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through the appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

Fundraising:

• Identify and establish personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors.
• Create and implement strategies for a portfolio comprised of potential donors with significant capacity.
• Set objectives to effectively progress conversations toward the solicitation of major gifts.
• Prepare proposals and solicit prospects for gifts in support of the College’s fundraising initiatives and priorities.
• Understand key initiatives of the College relating to faculty, students, instruction, and research.
• Assist in staffing alumni receptions, ‎football games, and other special events as needed.
• Facilitate involvement of major donors in the College as well as the schools and areas as appropriate.

Planning/Administration:

• Collaboratively develop and implement a fundraising plan including strategies and a timeline for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual prospects.
• Prepare and execute work plans with defined activities and timetables.
• Ensure effective records maintenance, including timely filing of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies, and contact reports.

Professional Development:

• Continually improve professional competency through training and participation in and/or leadership in professional, organizational, and other non-profit organizations.
• These responsibilities are subject to change due to the needs of the employer and requirements of the job.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Highly motivated individual with strong relationship building skills and demonstrated ‎capacity for leadership, organization, and teamwork.
• Strong professional communication and ‎listening ‎skills, and ability to represent the University and the Purdue for Life Foundation with tact and diplomacy at all ‎levels.
• Must have excellent problem solving and decision-making skills, as well as attention to detail.
• The personal qualities of integrity, discretion, excellent judgment, and sincerity.
• ‎Personal computer and related software skills, including work processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc. desirable.
  
  

Required Education/Experience and Benefits

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5 years of experience and proven track record of success in sales, development, fundraising, or alumni relations required

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.