Director of Development, Student Life Development Office - Purdue for Life Foundation

Description

• Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the Student Life units 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 Chief Development Officer, Unit heads, 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.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 various Student Life/Teaching and Learning units. 
• Assist as needed with the Student Life units and University Advancement staff to plan and implement development initiatives for various units including solicitations, alumni relations, marketing and communications.
• 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 annual goals and action plans.
• Become adept at using the Advancement database in support of annual and major gift activities.
• Continually improve professional competency through participation and/or leadership in professional organizational and other not-for-profit organizations.
• Share information with other pertinent development officers in a timely manner to maintain strong collegial relationships.
• Create and distribute programming for $1,000 Parents Fund giving level, including videos, newsletters, and special events.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Public speaking skills 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, diplomacy, 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 principals are desired.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelors Degree Required.
• 2 years of 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.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required.