Description

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.

Join the Purdue for Life Foundation and take your next giant leap in advancing the mission of Purdue University and the College of Health and Human Sciences. In this pivotal fundraising role, you’ll build meaningful relationships with donors, connect their passions to purpose, and secure the support that fuels life-changing research, education, and innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with alumni and friends of Purdue through travel, collaboration, and strategic philanthropy—all while contributing directly to initiatives that impact lives across health, human sciences, and beyond. 

Responsibilities

Essential Functions: 

• 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 appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Solicit and secure major gifts aimed at meeting the strategic goals of the College of Health and Human Sciences and its leadership, programs, and disciplines, and the University. 
• Use the full complement of the fundraising process, including personal visits and asks to move relationships forward.
• Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.

Additional Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with appropriate development and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships around department and campaign initiatives.
• Set specific goals and objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts. 
• Ensure appropriate coordination with various unit and University constituencies.
• Participate in development-related receptions and other donor events locally and regionally.
• Provide stewardship of gifts through the acknowledgement process, assisting with recognition events, dedications, and working with the Purdue for Life Donor Relations team on appropriate recognition.
• Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the College of Health and Human Sciences relating to faculty, students, instruction, and research.
• 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 your annual action plan.
• Become adept at using the advancement databases in support of major gift activities.
• Continually improve professional competency through participation and/or leadership in professional organizational and other not-for-profit organizations.

Requirements

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, including the demonstrated abilities to communicate well in writing and speak before large groups.
• Ability to learn, articulate, and represent the mission of the College of Health and Human Sciences and Purdue University.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to use good judgment, diplomacy, maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent relationship building, organizational and time management skills.
• Must have strong problem solving and decision-making skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni relations, and advancement communications preferred.
• Ability to work up to 3 days a week in the office in West Lafayette, Indiana. 
  

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

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

Job Level: Professional 4 (Development Officer) / Professional 5 (Sr. Officer)

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.