Description

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. Your next giant leap starts here. 
Responsibilities

The Senior Manager of Giving Societies builds communities of generosity around Purdue priorities. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic oversight, growth, and stewardship of Purdue University’s recognition societies, including the President’s Council, R.B. Stewart Society, and other organized donor groups such as parents and corporate partners. This role leads the development and execution of engagement strategies to deepen donor relationships, enhance the donor experience, and increase philanthropic support at leadership-giving levels. Within the Purdue for Life Foundation, the Senior Manager collaborates closely with development colleagues, campus partners, and advisory boards to ensure a cohesive, impactful donor engagement program.

The Senior Manager supervises the Senior Specialist of Giving Societies and will also partner with academic units to support the development and long-term management of advisory councils.

Giving Society Strategy & Growth - Own the vision, evolution, and impact of Purdue’s recognition societies and organized donor communities.
Provide strategic direction and day-to-day management of the President’s Council and R.B. Stewart Society, ensuring alignment with university fundraising priorities.

• Identify, analyze, and align on additional opportunities to support organized donor groups and create additional giving societies for groups such as parents and corporate partners.
• Analyze donor data and trends to inform strategy, measure effectiveness, and identify opportunities for growth.

Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Experience - Create meaningful experiences that deepen donor relationships and inspire increased philanthropic support.
Design and implement comprehensive stewardship and engagement plans to retain, upgrade, and recognize leadership-level donors.

• Collaborate with PFLF Special Events to oversee the planning and execution of high-impact events and experiences for giving society members, including exclusive campus engagements and recognition opportunities.
• Create strategic communication plans for giving societies, including personalized outreach, impact reporting, and recognition materials.
• Collaborate with the PFLF Marketing and Communications team to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all giving society initiatives.
  

Volunteer Leadership & Strategic Partnerships - Strengthen connections between donors, volunteers, academic partners, and university priorities.
Serve as a key liaison between the Purdue for Life Foundation and university leadership, ensuring alignment and visibility of giving society efforts.

• In partnership with academic units, provide guidance and support for the development, engagement, and long-term management of advisory councils; establish best practices that align volunteer leadership engagement with philanthropic strategy.
• Program Leadership & Operational Excellence - Lead the people, processes, and infrastructure required to execute and scale.
• Supervise and provide direction to the Senior Specialist, Giving Societies, including goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Delegate and oversee the execution of operational and programmatic components of giving society activities, ensuring high-quality delivery and consistency.
  

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience managing stewardship programs, donor recognition initiatives, or giving societies.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating cross-functional projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on donor-centered messaging.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and operational tools, including Microsoft Office/Excel; high level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive financial and donor information.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and engage effectively with high-level donors and stakeholders
• Some evening and weekend work required.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in donor relations, advancement operations, project management, or nonprofit leadership.

Job Level: Management 2
 
 *Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.

Benefits 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.
10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 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.

About Purdue for Life Foundation

The Purdue for Life Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Purdue for Life views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all Foundation-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics.  All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

Purdue for Life will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.

A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position. 

Requirements

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in donor relations, advancement operations, project management, or nonprofit leadership.