Donor Relations Specialist

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 as a key contributor to our Donor Relations & Stewardship team, where you'll help express gratitude, demonstrate impact, and inspire future giving. As a Donor Relations Specialist, you’ll play a vital part in strengthening lifelong connections between Purdue University and its donors. If you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and believe in the power of thoughtful stewardship, we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful.

Department Donor Relations & Stewardship Employment Type Full Time Location Purdue for Life Foundation Workplace type Hybrid Reporting To

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 executive 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, including in-person at the West Lafayette, Indiana office up to three days per week.
• Some evening and weekend work is required.
• Occasional travel may be required.
  
  

Required Education, Experience And Benefits Summary

• Associate's Degree required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 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

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.

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