Regional Advancement Officer- Detroit, Chicago, or Indianapolis

Purdue for Life Foundation

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

Required skills

CRM
MS Office
Remote collaboration tools

About the role

Residence within the greater Detroit, Chicago, or Indianapolis market is required to support in-person donor engagement, regional travel, and proactive network development within the assigned portfolio.

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.

The Regional Advancement Officer plays a critical role in advancing Purdue University’s fundraising strategy by identifying, qualifying, and engaging individual prospects in a defined geographic region. This position is focused on building a strong major gift donor pipeline and driving long-term philanthropic support. The officer works in close collaboration with unit development officers, and academic partners to connect donor interests with Purdue’s highest priorities and to ensure a coordinated, team-based approach to donor engagement and solicitation.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

Develop and execute a plan of engagement to bring new prospects and donors to the University through active use of the development process and collaboration with campus partners.
Prepare proposals and solicit prospects for major gifts in accordance with existing unit and individual metric requirements.
Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualifications, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Collaborate with appropriate campus development colleagues to develop prospective strategies, build relationships, with the goal of securing financial support.
Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts.
Become broadly familiar with key initiatives of the University relating to faculty, students, instruction and research.
Frequent travel and/or evening and weekend duties are required.

Additional Responsibilities

Public speaking skills essential.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential, including the ability to communicate well in writing.
Must be able 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.
Ability to articulate the mission of Purdue University as needed.
Possess initiative and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Excellent relationship building skills, organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects.
Must be able to solicit gifts in person.
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.
Other duties assigned by the Vice President of Development

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak before large groups.
Ability to display patience, empathy, and compassion surrounding sensitive client cases and experiences.
Ability to articulate the mission of Purdue University as needed.
Ability to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to use good judgement, diplomacy, maintain confidentiality and represent the University with tact and diplomacy at all times.
Possess initiative and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Excellent relationship building, organizational skills, and ability to handle multiple projects.
Must have strong problem solving and decision making skills, as well as attention to detail.
Ability to travel and perform evening and weekend duties as required.
Good computer skills are necessary including working with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems, working knowledge of MS Office, and familiarity with remote working technologies.
Regular and reliable attendance are requirements of this position.
This position is considered Remote with occasional travel to West Lafayette, Indiana required for on-site team and company wide meetings.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

Valid US driver's license required
Bachelor's degree is required
1-3 years of relevant experience required
Prior experience in fundraising, 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

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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