Regional Advancement Officer- Detroit, Chicago, or Indianapolis

Regional Advancement Officer
- Detroit, Chicago, or Indianapolis

Department: Regional Advancement

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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…