Vice President, Donor Relations and Stewardship - Amherst College : Job Details

Department: Donor Relations

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

DescriptionWorking 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.We are seeking a visionary leader who brings a deep understanding of donor engagement, a passion for cultivating meaningful relationships, and a strategic mindset to advance Purdue's mission. The ideal candidate may come from donor relations, fundraising, alumni engagement, or a related discipline, and will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style, a data-informed approach to stewardship, and the ability to inspire teams and stakeholders alike. This is a unique opportunity to shape the donor experience at every level—while working alongside passionate professionals who are committed to building a culture of gratitude, transparency, and lifelong connection.Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a strategic, multi-year donor relations and stewardship program in collaboration with campus partners, senior leadership, and fundraising teams to recognize and inspire donor engagement.
• Lead a high-performing, cross-functional team that delivers consistent, impact-driven stewardship experiences and fosters a culture of excellence, trust, and customer service.
• Develop and maintain a healthy culture within own team and collaborate with peers to contribute to a healthy culture across PFLF.
• Design and implement personalized donor recognition strategies, including acknowledgements, reporting, naming opportunities, including permanent donor recognition, and meaningful donor experiences aligned with best practices and university policies.
• Drive innovation, workflows, SOPs, and performance measurement to improve donor relations outcomes, build a strong donor pipeline, and elevate fundraising effectiveness.
• Foster university-wide collaboration and provide strategic support for high-priority fundraising initiatives, while representing the organization at key events and engagements.
• Provide strategic leadership to the President's Council Advisory Board and advise the Purdue Foundation Student Board to align with institutional priorities, cultivate student philanthropy, and foster future donor engagement through exposure to fundraising operations.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Must maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage teams with a collaborative approach.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills
• Ability to represent the Foundation and the University by exhibiting professionalism, good judgment, tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Ability to interact with high-level stakeholders, including board members and major donors from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Proven knowledge of non-profit fundraising practices and trends.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Ability to work in a hybrid work environment with 3 days in the office in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of five years of experience and proven success in donor relations, communications, public relations, fundraising or related field.

Job Level: Executive 1Benefits 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.
• Generous 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.

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