Senior Director of Development (Samuel Ginn College of Engineering)

Auburn University, United States

Updated: 4 days ago
Location: Auburn, ALABAMA
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Requisition Number S3375P
Home Org Name Constituency Development
Division Name Senior VP, Advancement
Position Title Senior Director of Development (Samuel Ginn College of Engineering)
Job Class Code OA33
Appointment Status Full-time
Part-time FTE
Limited Term No
Limited Term Length
Job Summary
Auburn Advancement and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering are conducting a search for a Senior Director of Development with strong advancement and leadership experience to manage a high functioning team of fundraisers to reach the college’s fundraising goals!
The Senior Director of Development will effectively and diplomatically work with prospects and donors, corporations and foundations, colleagues, high-level administrators, faculty, volunteer leaders and other constituents to secure support and private funding. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, energetic professional with strong multi-tasking skills and sound judgment who can perform the role of a unit leader and major gift fundraiser for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Ideal candidates will have experience working with engineers and/or have knowledge of the engineering industry.
This position will jointly report to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and the Dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
Why Should YOU Choose Auburn University?
  • Auburn University was named a “Best in Alabama” employer by Forbes! Our employee longevity speaks for itself, with employees staying an average of ten years.
  • Competitive state benefits including retirement plan vesting at 10 years of service, generous leave accrual, and parental leave opportunity.
  • Auburn University tuition assistance for yourself and your dependents. Employees can take 15 hours of classes for free, and dependents receive a 50% tuition waiver.


It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!
Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.
Essential Functions
  • Develops a personal prospect portfolio, travels to meet with donors and potential donors to secure major gifts to meet fundraising goals and objectives.
  • Creates and fosters an environment conducive to high performance and a cohesive team; mentors and manages staff maintaining clear monthly goals and annual performance reviews; develops performance plans and conducts reviews.
  • Assesses effectiveness of staff, processes, procedures, resource allocation, and strategies. Leads constructive change through collaborative, inspiring approaches. Builds high-performing team through clear articulation of expectations, establishment of standards of accountability, and guidance of staff toward desired outcomes.
  • Builds constructive, authentic, professional relationships with key volunteer leadership groups, including campaign committees and advisory councils Ensures the work of these groups effectively assists in the achievement of the dean’s and the unit’s goals.
  • Monitors progress toward individual and unit goals by monitoring monthly gift/pledge totals. Manages staff toward development of effective, individualized solicitation strategies that lead to successful closing of gifts.
  • Develops and fosters a strong partnership with the dean/director of the unit; his/her involvement in the development process; ensure that s/he is devoting sufficient time to fundraising activities; and utilize his/her efforts in such a way as to capitalize on this individual’s strengths.
  • Meets regularly with Associate VP of Philanthropy to review team and individual staff performance.
  • Develops proposals and presentations materials relative to top fundraising priorities that will keep top prospects informed and involved.
  • Identifies and resolves barriers to team/unit success, in collaboration with Advancement leadership and the unit’s dean/director.
  • Develops and monitors approved operating budget; ensures strategic resource allocation to support achievement of desired results.
  • The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours, and is therefore expected to operate with high-levels of autonomy.

Minimum Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relation, or related field
  • 10 years experience in team management, major gift solicitation, or extensive experience selling ideas, services, products to C-level decision-makers.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications


Minimum Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive understanding of development principles, strategies, theories, techniques and systems, including donor records/CRM systems. Extensive knowledge of management/supervisory practices and principles.
  • Must be able and willing to work some weekends, evenings, and to travel extensively.
Minimum Technology Skills
Minimum License and Certifications
  • Valid Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Desired Qualifications


Desired Qualifications
  • Proven successful higher education fundraising experience and a strong motivation to exceed annual goals is highly desired.

Posting Detail Information


Salary Range $97,500 - $185,300
Job Category Development/Alumni Affairs
Working Hours if Non-Traditional Regular business hours, including some evenings and weekends.
City position is located in: Auburn
State position is located: Alabama
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date 02/06/2024
Closing Date
EEO Statement
Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/43275

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