Overview of Director of Development
Purdue University Northwest's Office of Development is actively seeking a Director of Development. As a member of our strategic team, the Director of Development will play a key role in managing major gift portfolios, discovery and qualification work of identified prospects in support of establishing endowed scholarship funds and faculty chairs, planned gifts and other special projects. The Director of Development will also play a collaborative role in the success of the entire Institutional Advancement team.
Duties and Responsibilities of Director of Development
- Responsible for identification, cultivation and solicitation of university alumni, parents, friends and community members as potential donors of annual and major gifts to the university.
- Identify and establish personal contact with current and prospective donors, making a minimum of 100-120 face-to-face personal visits annually, including a minimum of 50 discovery visits.
- Manage an assigned primary portfolio of major gifts prospects of 120-150 with the goal of producing regular annual giving donors and major project and scholarship donors.
- Manage a discovery portfolio of prospects to broaden the pipeline of potential major and principal donors.
- Act as the lead fundraiser on various named scholarship fund efforts and other special projects in specific Colleges, Divisions, or Offices.
- Prepare proposals and solicit prospects for major gifts, to secure a minimum annual goal toward the unit's fundraising goals.
- Serve as development support to senior administrative and academic leaders.
- Become conversant and comfortable with planned giving/asset-based giving vehicles, and with the history and traditions of Purdue University Northwest.
- Use Ascend to track moves management of assigned prospects, organize workflow and pipeline activity with a specific emphasis on solicitation and realized gifts.
- Prepare and report regularly on annual action plans with defined activities and timetables.
- Prepare progress reports as needed.
Benefits of Director of Development
- Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
- Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
- University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period)
- University contributions to Health Savings Account –
- Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
- 10 paid holidays
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
- Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus
For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.
PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes
Education of Director of Development
- Bachelor's degree
Experience of Director of Development
- 3 years fundraising, donor stewardship, or professional selling experience is required.
- 5+ years of fundraising experience preferred.
- Experience in solicitation of major and/or principal gifts in higher education preferred.
- Previous success securing funding from major philanthropic foundations preferred.
Core Competencies of Director of Development
- Highly motivated and flexible individual with strong relationship building skills and a demonstrated capacity for organization and teamwork.
- Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment (balancing remote and in-office).
- Confidence and comfort with engaging high net worth individuals and C-suite executives.
- Demonstrate conceptual understanding of development and alumni relations.
- Strong professional communication and listening skills and the ability to represent the university with tact and diplomacy at all levels.
- Proficiency with standard office productivity software, database management, and CRM systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel required.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to use personal vehicle to drive on behalf of the University.
- Must meet the Minimum Driver Qualifications as defined by the Use of Vehicles for University Business Policy.
Additional Information
Review of applications begins July 15. Open until filled.
Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.
Purdue University Northwest is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.