Donor Relations Specialist

Purdue for Life Foundation

Experience: 1+ yrs
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

Salesforce
Microsoft Excel
CRM
Office suite

About the role

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. Your next giant leap starts here.

This is an opportunity for a early career relationship-driven professional to contribute to advancing Purdue’s mission through meaningful donor engagement. As a member of the Donor Relations team, you will collaborate with fundraising partners to support thoughtful stewardship efforts that strengthen connections and demonstrate impact. If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment, have strong attention to detail, and are passionate about creating meaningful donor experiences, we invite you to bring your skills to a team committed to excellence in philanthropy.

Responsibilities

Facilitate donor-centered stewardship through strategic touchpoints that show gratitude, enhance the donor experience, and inspire future gifts.
Develop and assist with the implementation of a comprehensive stewardship program in collaboration with internal/external stakeholders.
Provide support and assistance in the execution of tasks associated with donor recognition, acknowledgments, reports, and experiences.
Serve as a resource for colleagues and donors on development-related issues, requests, visits, etc. based on the donor’s expectations and wishes.
Research and write donor communications, template letters, impact statements, and other personal communications as needed.
Input effective and accurate records maintenance in Ascend/Salesforce, including timely fulfillment of donor and contact reports and deliverables.
Collaborate and coordinate productively with internal departments, such as Special Events, Marketing Communications, Broad-Based Campaigns, President’s Council, and others.
Respond to donor inquiries with accurate and timely information.
Additional functional duties as assigned.
Attend and participate in team meetings and collaborative work groups and project teams.
Identify, define, and help develop improvements to processes, workflows, and outcomes in collaboration with partners across the department.
Participate in PFLF Develop U activities and continuing professional development opportunities.
Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
Ability to always represent the University with tact and diplomacy.
Strong professional ethics are required.
Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively.
Excellent relationship building, organizational and time management skills.
Ability to continuously improve professional competency through experience in the role and professional development opportunities.
Demonstrate competency in Microsoft Office, with a focus on Microsoft Excel, Ascend/Salesforce (CRM), and networked informational systems used within the Purdue for Life Foundation.
Thrive in a team environment with strong attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule with up to 3 days a week working in office in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Some evening and weekend work is required.
Occasional travel may be required.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

Associates degree required, Bachelors degree preferred. Equivalent work experience may substitute for degree.
Minimum of one year’s experience in donor relations, customer service or related field preferred.
Non-profit, customer service, or sales experience preferred.

Job Level: Professional 2

*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.

About Purdue for Life Foundation

Coordinates alumni engagement and fundraising for Purdue University.

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