OverviewWhat You'll Do:- Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and oversight to a team of development professionals. Set clear expectations, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.
- Strengthen Partnerships and Engagement: Build strong relationships with the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Dean, academic leaders, and volunteer groups, ensuring active participation in fundraising efforts. Develop proposals and engagement strategies that keep top prospects informed and connected.
- Drive Fundraising Strategy and Results: Oversee major and principal gift efforts by guiding staff in developing effective solicitation strategies, monitoring progress toward goals, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Cultivate and engage alumni, philanthropists, corporations, foundations, and volunteer leaders to secure philanthropic support. Align donor passions with Auburn University's vision to address critical funding needs and advance the mission of the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, benefiting its students, faculty, and staff.
- Oversee Operations and Strategic Planning: Assess team effectiveness, remove barriers to success, and manage resources, including budget oversight. Collaborate with Advancement leadership to refine strategy, support campaign planning, and drive continuous improvement.
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.
This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy, Will Johnson, and works in close partnership with Dr. Janaki Alavalapati, Emmett F. Thompson Dean
College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Dean Alavalapati advances the college's academic mission in instruction, research, outreach, and professional service. During his tenure as dean, Alavalapati has expanded the college's academic, research and Extension and outreach platforms, ushering in a period of significant growth, noted by the school's establishment as a college in 2022 and renaming as the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment shortly thereafter.
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.Candidates are required to upload a resume and cover letter with their application. Please combine into one document.Responsibilities- Purpose: Lead and execute strategies to secure major and principal gifts in alignment with the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and Auburn University's fundraising priorities. Manage a personal portfolio while guiding team efforts to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
- Collaboration: Partner closely with the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment leadership, faculty, and staff, academic leaders, volunteer groups, and Advancement leadership to align fundraising strategies and strengthen engagement across the university.
- Innovation: Assess team performance, processes, and strategies to identify opportunities for improvement. Lead change initiatives that enhance effectiveness and build a high-performing, forward-thinking team.
- Production: Oversee team fundraising performance, monitor progress toward goals, and ensure successful execution of solicitation strategies while managing budget resources effectively.
QualificationsDirector of Development I- Bachelor's degree
- 7 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations
Director of Development II- Bachelor's degree
- 8 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations
Contract TypeContinuing
Why Work at Auburn?- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Posted Date9/3/2026
