Senior Director, Advancement Campaign and Principal Gift Operations

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number
S4174P

Home Org Name
Central Philanthropy

Division Name
Senior VP, Advancement

Position Title
Senior Director, Advancement Campaign and Principal Gift Operations

Job Class Code
OA74

Appointment Status
Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term
No

Limited Term Length

Job Summary

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Senior Director of Advancement Campaign and Principal Gift Operations to join our philanthropy team! In this position, you will oversee the strategy, execution, and success of our comprehensive fundraising campaigns and principal gift operations.

What You’ll Do:

• Operational Excellence: Manages campaign timelines. Committees, and events to ensure seamless execution and exceptional donor experiences. Analyze campaign performance, provide actionable insights, and adapt strategies to consistently exceed targets.
• Collaborating Engagement: Build and nurture strong partnerships across university leadership, faculty, and volunteers to unify efforts and achieve campaign goals.
• Strategic Leadership: Oversee the design and execution of a multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaign that aligns with Auburn’s strategic vision. Partner with senior leaders across Advancement and the University to establish and refine long-term campaign strategies.
• Champion Philanthropy: You’ll drive the strategic alignment of campaign priorities in partnership with Advancement leadership, ensuring every gift contributes to meaningful, long-term impact. Fostering trust and engagement with donors by delivering personalized, high-level stewardship that celebrates their commitment to Auburn’s future.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Auburn University and its 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.

Essential Functions

Purpose:

• Collaborate with Advancement Senior Leadership and university leaders to refine and implement long-term campaign strategies aligned with Auburns Grounded and Groundbreaking strategic plan.
• Manage principal gift operations, including high-level prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of transformative contributions.

Collaboration:

• Partner with deans, faculty, volunteers, and frontline fundraising teams to align campaign objectives across university departments.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and Senior Vice President of Advancement to manage campaign planning and volunteer leadership activities.
• Work with Advancement Events and other teams to orchestrate impactful campaign events and meetings.

Innovation:

• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop dynamic campaign messaging and donor collateral that inspires action.
• Design creative, individualized engagement and solicitation strategies for principal gift donors in partnership with the Advancement team.
• Proactively assess changes in donor privacy, tax, and non-profit regulations to ensure Auburn’s operations stay ahead of trends and legal updates.

Production:

• Achieve campaign and fundraising goals by analyzing metrics, updating leadership on progress, and adapting strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
• Oversee campaign timelines, committee coordination, and detailed execution of Auburn’s comprehensive fundraising campaign.

This role requires frequent travel

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10 years of experience in Advancement, with a focus on fundraising, campaign planning and/or principal gifts

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

Minimum Technology Skills

Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range
$105,060 - $199,610

Job Category
Auburn Advancement

Working Hours if Non-Traditional
Monday - Friday: 7:45am - 4:45pm - may occasionally work nights 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
01/08/2025

Closing Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO ) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/50504
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional DocumentsSupplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please tell us how you first heard about this opportunity.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
2. * Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University:
   • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period
   • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period
   • Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee
   • Not an Auburn or AUM employee
3. * Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you have 10 years of experience in Advancement, with a focus on fundraising, campaign planning and/or principal gifts?
   • Yes
   • No