Donor Experience Specialist

Department: Broad-Based Campaigns and Strategic Engagement

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

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. Your next giant leap starts here.

Responsibilities

The Donor Experience Specialist is a key member of the dynamic and mission-driven Purdue for Life Foundation Team. The Donor Experience Specialist will focus on providing a first-class philanthropic experience for all donors by leveraging digital and in-person engagement to effectively build relationships based on each individual supporter. This role supports the Purdue for Life Foundation in achieving both its near-term annual giving goals and long-term fundraising objectives and develops qualified major gift referrals.

• Engage with and support relationship-building efforts with a portfolio of supporters and prospects.
• Conduct donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities for an assigned portfolio of up to 1,000 current and lapsed donors, following established best practices and with supervisor and experienced peer guidance.
• Leverage technology including Sales Engagement, social media platforms and video conferencing software tools to build rapport, steward and solicit donors in an alumni centric, targeted, high-velocity manner.
• Execute monthly and quarterly touchpoint cadences (averaging 30 outbound touchpoints per day) across portfolio to ensure consistent and relevant donor communication.
• Meet clearly defined activity metrics, fundraising outcomes, and pipeline growth targets.
• Develop working knowledge of engagement and philanthropic opportunities across the university to inform conversations and solicitations.
• Build knowledge of available resources to connect donors with appropriate opportunities across the institution.
• Build relationships across the University campus to be able to connect donors with relevant individuals when applicable.
• Aid in outreach and follow up for events and activities on behalf of Engagement Relations and Development.
• Monitor donor engagement and provide input on opportunities to support initiatives that drive donations.
• Deliver high-quality, personalized donor experiences that foster trust, strengthen retention, and enhance philanthropic outcomes within established engagement strategies.
  
  

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Desire to pursue a career in higher education advancement
• High degree of grit and resilience and desire to challenge the status quo
• Unceasing “can do” attitude
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills across mediums, especially via video conferencing
• Strong collaboration and organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize effectively
• Strong work ethic with a desire to become an experienced professional in the development space
• Able to handle confidential material responsibly and interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals
• Be self-motivated and positive, with a team-first optimistic attitude, eager to embody the Purdue spirit
  
  

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's Degree preferred. Equivalent work experience may substitute for educational degree.
• At least one year of experience in higher education fundraising as a student or professional (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.