Senior Development Officer or Development Officer, College of Engineering

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 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. As part of the College of Engineering development team, you will play a vital role in advancing Purdue’s world-class innovation and impact by connecting passionate donors with transformative projects that shape the future of engineering education and research.

Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Purdue for Life Foundation
Workplace type: Hybrid (ability to work onsite in West Lafayette, Indiana up to 3 days per week)

About the role

You’ll work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team that values initiative, creativity, and relationship building—while seeing the tangible results of your efforts in the lives of students and the success of the University.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the College of Engineering 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 Executive Director, unit heads, 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. Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.
• 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.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the various units comprising the College of Engineering.
• Report regularly on the progress toward annual goals and action plans.
• Become adept at using a Salesforce CRM in support of annual and major gift activities.
• Share information with other pertinent development officers in a timely manner to maintain strong collegial relationships.
• All other duties as assigned, including but not limited to serving as a liaison for a unit head.
• Solicit gifts in person.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Development Officer: Minimum of 2 years 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.
• Senior Development Officer: Minimum of 3 years experience in development, fundraising, or alumni relations required. Experience in higher education preferred.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required.

Skills

• Public speaking skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate well in writing.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to use good judgment, maintain confidentiality, and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Ability to articulate the mission of Purdue University as needed.
• Initiative and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, organizational skills, and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Desire to continuously improve professional competency through participation in professional development opportunities.
• Basic computer skills are essential.
• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles are desired.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available with 10% employer contribution 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.