West Lafayette, IN

The Organization

MISSION
The mission of the Purdue Research Foundation is to advance Purdue University’s quest for preeminence in discovery, learning and engagement through effective stewardship of assets.

HISTORY
Purdue Research Foundation was founded in 1930 by David E. Ross, a prolific Indiana inventor, and Josiah K. Lilly, then president of Eli Lilly and Co. Recognizing value in collaborations between industry and research, Ross, a former President of the Purdue University Board of Trustees, and Lilly, a Purdue University Board of Trustees member, each provided $25,000 to establish the Purdue Research Foundation. The goal was for the Foundation to provide the groundwork for Purdue to collaborate with private industry – an action that the publicly funded university was prohibited from doing.

Today, Purdue Research Foundation is valued at more than $1 billion. As envisioned by Ross and Lilly, the Foundation remains at the forefront of protecting Purdue’s intellectual property, technology transfer activities and commercialization enterprises. The Foundation also accepts gifts, acquires property and performs other actions to support the mission of the University.

The revenue generated to support the mission and operations of the Foundation is largely composed of earning from long-term investments, gift income and real estate holdings.

The Foundation continues to support economic development through the Indianabased Purdue Research Park network where nearly 4,500 people work in about 250 companies. The average annual wage of employees working in the park network is $63,000, nearly double the Indiana average.

In 2013, the Foundation expanded its dedication to the original mission outlined in 1930 by becoming even more actively involved with helping Purdue innovators move their technologies to the public through a number of avenues.

Position Overview

The Director of Development will establish contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of strategically meeting the Unit and Purdue University fundraising goals. Additionally the Director will orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with the prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; collaborate with appropriate development and academic staff to develop prospect strategies and build relationships; use the full complement of the fundraising process, including personal visits and asks to move relationships forward; set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts; ensure appropriate coordination with Unit’s corporate and business partners and various unit and University constituencies; prepare proposals and solicit prospects for gifts in support of the Unit’s strategic plan and fundraising priorities; host or co-host receptions and other donor events locally and regionally; and provide stewardship of gifts including acknowledgement process, coordinating recognition events, dedications and working with the University Development Office on appropriate recognition.
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak before large groups of people; ability to effectively interpret and articulate the mission of Purdue University; ability to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds; sound judgment, initiative and the ability to collaborate effectively; excellent relationship building, organizational, and time management skills.

It is preferred that candidates possess an advanced degree and at least three years of experience in fund development including solicitation of major gifts and/or related work experience. Experience in higher education or other non-profit organizations is also preferred. Knowledge of finance, planned giving, alumni relations, corporate relations and advancement communications is preferred.

This position is located on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, IN.

How To Apply