Senior Development Officer, Student Life

Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Senior Director, and working closely with Purdue for Life Foundation leadership and University partners, develop and execute a plan to bring donors to Student Life, Teaching & Learning, PMU, and the University through the active use of the development process, including solicitation of major gifts.
• Supervise development professional and support staff as needed.
• Secure major gifts, aimed at meeting the strategic goals of leadership, their programs, disciplines, and the University.
• Design and implement a comprehensive Advancement program with particular attention to parent fundraising in consultation with the Senior Director and Vice President.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.

• Fundraising

• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of Student Life, Teaching & Learning, and PMU, relating to faculty, students, instruction and research.
• Identify, establish, and maintain personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interests and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of meeting Unit and University fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with appropriate advancement and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships.
• Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts.
• Prepare proposals and solicit prospects for gifts in support of Unit fundraising priorities.
• Use the full complement of the fundraising process, including personal visits and “asks” to move relationships forward.
• In partnership with the University leadership and the Purdue for Life Foundation leadership team, explore and develop creative funding models that introduce non-traditional and innovative philanthropic concepts that will build on fundraising success, including, but not limited to parent fundraising.
• Host or co-host receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Provide consultation on stewardship of gifts including acknowledgement process, coordinating recognition events, dedications, and working with the University Development Office on appropriate recognition.

• Planning/Administration

• Set fundraising and management goals on an annual basis in collaboration with the Senior Director and Vice President.
• Provide reports and analyze data regularly on the progress toward Unit annual action plan and goals.
• Assign, instruct/train, and review the work of employees as needed, with direction from the Senior Director.
• Ensure effective records maintenance, including timely filling of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies and contact reports, using the university’s prospect management system.
• Become adept at using the Advancement database in support of major gift activities.
• Provide vision and coordination for Unit advancement and communications activities.
• Provide input to communications targeted at donors and prospects.
• Continually improve professional competency through participation in and/or leadership in professional organizational and other not-for profit organizations.

• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles required.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and speak before large groups.
• Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of Purdue University.
• Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times required.
• Ability to think creatively and demonstrate excellent problem solving and decision-making skills as well as use good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate effectively.
• Excellent supervisory, relationship building, organizational and time management skills required.
• Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni relations, corporate relations, and advancement communications are preferred.
• Ability to continuously…