Description

*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.

As a member of our development team, you’ll have the opportunity to directly support the future of Purdue University’s College of Science—home to world-class faculty, groundbreaking research, and the next generation of scientific leaders. In this role, you’ll build and strengthen philanthropic partnerships that fuel innovation, discovery, and student success. You’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues across Purdue for Life Foundation and the University in an environment that values creativity, initiative, and purpose—empowering you to make a lasting impact while advancing your own professional growth. Join us and help drive the next giant leap for Purdue, the College of Science, and the global Boilermaker community. 

Requirements

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a plan of engagement to bring prospects and donors to the College and 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. 
• In consultation with the Senior Director of Development 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.
• Provide strategic planning and consultation on the overall Advancement program to College and Department leadership in assigned areas.
• Ability to travel and perform evening and weekend duties as required.
• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with appropriate development and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships.
• Set up 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.
• 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 CRM 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.
• Supervise, and or mentor, other professional development staff, within the College of Science, as assigned by the Senior Director, Development.  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak before large groups.
• Ability to display patience, empathy, and compassion surrounding sensitive client cases and experiences.
• 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 judgement, 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, organizational skills, and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Must have strong problem solving and decision-making skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Ascend, Microsoft Outlook, and Office Suite.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule with up to 4 days a week working in the office in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

Required Education and Benefits

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in fund development, including solicitation of major gifts and/or related work experience required for the Senior Development Officer position.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in fund development, including solicitation of major gifts and/or related work experience required for the Development Officer position.
• Experience in higher education or other non-profit organizations is preferred but not 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 $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.

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.