Donor Experience Specialist

Responsibilities

• Engage with and support relationship-building efforts with a portfolio of supporters and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors for an assigned portfolio of up to 1,000 current and lapsed donors, following established best practices and with supervisor and experienced peer guidance.
• Leverage technology including Sales Engagement, social media platforms, and video conferencing software tools to build rapport, steward, and solicit donors in an alumni-centric, targeted, high-velocity manner.
• Execute monthly and quarterly touchpoint cadences (averaging 30+ outbound touchpoints per day) across the portfolio to ensure consistent and relevant donor communication.
• Meet clearly defined activity metrics, fundraising outcomes, and pipeline growth targets.
• Develop working knowledge of engagement and philanthropic opportunities across the university to inform conversations and solicitations.
• Build knowledge of available resources to connect donors with appropriate opportunities across the institution.
• Build relationships across the University campus to be able to connect donors with relevant individuals when applicable.
• Aid in outreach and follow-up for events and activities on behalf of Engagement Relations and Development.
• Monitor donor engagement and provide input on opportunities to support initiatives that drive donations.
• Deliver high-quality, personalized donor experiences that foster trust, strengthen retention, and enhance philanthropic outcomes within established engagement strategies.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Desire to pursue a career in higher education advancement
• High degree of grit and resilience and desire to challenge the status quo
• Unceasing “can do” attitude
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills across mediums, especially via video conferencing
• Strong collaboration and organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize effectively
• Strong work ethic with a desire to become an experienced professional in the development space
• Able to handle confidential material responsibly and interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals
• Self-motivated and positive, with a team-first optimistic attitude, eager to embody the Purdue spirit

Required Education, Experience & Benefits

• Bachelor's Degree preferred. Equivalent work experience may substitute for educational degree.
• At least one year of experience in higher education fundraising as a student or professional (preferred).
• Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.
• 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 $700 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.