Director of Development - College of Liberal Arts

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Director of Development (College of Liberal Arts) to join our philanthropy team! Under the leadership of Dean Jason Hicks, Auburn University's College of Liberal Arts serves as the intellectual and cultural heart of the university. The college offers 46 undergraduate majors, 44 minors, and 22 graduate programs, providing students with transformative educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom through research, internships, performances, clinical practice, community engagement, and study abroad opportunities.

Your leadership and strategic vision will cultivate meaningful relationships and secure transformative support that advances our mission and strengthens Auburn University’s future.

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and oversight to a team of development professionals. Set clear expectations, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.
• Drive Fundraising Strategy and Results: Oversee major and principal gift efforts by guiding staff in developing effective solicitation strategies, monitoring progress toward goals, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Cultivate and engage alumni, philanthropists, corporations, foundations, and volunteer leaders to secure philanthropic support. Align donor passions with Auburn University’s vision to address critical funding needs and advance the mission of the Auburn University College of Liberal Arts, benefiting its students, faculty, and staff.
• Strengthen Partnerships and Engagement: Build strong relationships with the College of Liberal Arts Dean, academic leaders, and volunteer groups, ensuring active participation in fundraising efforts. Develop proposals and engagement strategies that keep top prospects informed and connected.
• Oversee Operations and Strategic Planning: Assess team effectiveness, remove barriers to success, and manage resources, including budget oversight. Collaborate with Advancement leadership to refine strategy, support campaign planning, and drive continuous improvement.

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Auburn University, the Auburn College of Liberal Arts, and their priorities.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference.
• Purpose Driven Work: Align your passion and fulfillment to your work, where you’re trusted to reach your full potential and achieve your pinnacle career experience.
• Culture by Design: Thrive in a culture that champions respect, accountability, and professional development.

Now is the perfect time to join Auburn Advancement, a dynamic team encompassing Operations and Strategy, Culture and Talent, Engagement, Philanthropy, and Communications. Under the visionary leadership of Senior Vice President Rob Wellbaum – a seasoned and respected advancement professional – our organization is set to revolutionize the future of Advancement.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy, Suzanne Tatum, and works in close partnership with Jason Hicks, Dean of the Auburn University College of Liberal Arts. Dean Hicks advances the college’s academic mission in instruction, research, outreach, and professional service. Dr. Hicks is an international scholar in human memory. He received a B.S. in Psychology from Truman State University (1993), followed by a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology (1995) and a Ph.D. in Cognitive/Experimental Psychology (1998) from the University of Georgia.

Before joining Auburn University in his leadership role in 2022, Dr. Hicks spent 24 years at…