Development Officer or Senior Development Officer, College of Health and Human Sciences

About the Role

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 contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs positively impacting 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the College of Health and Human Sciences and the University through frequent travel and active use of the development process, including solicitation of major gifts.
• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages.
• Solicit and secure major gifts to meet the strategic goals of the College of Health and Human Sciences and the University.
• Use the full fundraising process, including personal visits and asks, to move relationships forward.
• Collaborate with development and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships around department and campaign initiatives.
• Set specific goals and objectives to advance toward solicitation of major gifts.
• Ensure coordination with various unit and University constituencies.
• Participate in development-related receptions and donor events locally and regionally.
• Provide stewardship of gifts through acknowledgments, recognition events, dedications, and collaboration with the Purdue for Life Donor Relations team.
• Become familiar with key initiatives of the College of Health and Human Sciences related to faculty, students, instruction, and research.
• Maintain effective records, including timely filing of prospect assignments, strategies, and contact reports using Purdue University’s prospect management system.
• Report regularly on progress toward the annual action plan.
• Become adept at using advancement databases to support major gift activities.
• Continually improve professional competency through participation in professional organizations and not-for-profit groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Development Officer: 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Senior Development Officer: 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience in fund development, including exposure to annual gifts, major gifts, and planned gifts, is preferred but not required.
• Experience in higher education or other non-profit organizations is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
• Ability to learn, articulate, and represent the mission of the College of Health and Human Sciences and Purdue University.
• Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders from various professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality, and tact in representing the University.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent relationship building, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni relations, and advancement communications is preferred.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days annually.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans.
• 10% employer contribution to retirement plan with immediate vesting.
• Health Savings Account with up to $700 annually for medical expenses.
• Employer-funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
• Tuition discounts for eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for employees, spouses, and dependents.

Job Level: Professional 4 or 5. Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of Purdue University.

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Employment Type: Full Time

Department: Major Gifts