About Us:

Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is a mission-driven network of schools founded in partnership with Purdue University. Our vision is to inspire students through STEM-focused, real-world experiences, empowering them to become problem-solvers and skilled achievers who succeed in technical and STEM-related post-secondary programs and high-tech careers. At PPHS, we are committed to academic rigor and providing every student with the resources to succeed in higher education, particularly at institutions of the caliber of Purdue University.

Our core values guide everything we do:

• Act as 1
• Nurture student genius
• Start from Yes
• Do the right thing
• Get it done

Position Overview:

We are seeking a strategic, mission-aligned Director of Development to build and lead a high-impact fundraising program that supports PPHS’s annual operations and strategic initiatives and drives student target audience engagement and enrollment. This individual will play a critical role in shaping and executing a comprehensive development and marketing strategy that secures major gifts, builds lasting donor relationships, and attracts prospective students and families to our schools. The Director of Development will be instrumental in establishing the foundation for long-term fundraising success and ensuring strong enrollment.

The Director of Development will work closely with the CEO and coordinate with Purdue for Life (PFL) and internal leaders to ensure the school is well-positioned to meet both immediate and long-range fundraising goals. This role will also oversee marketing and communications efforts, ensuring alignment between fundraising and brand strategy to strengthen external engagement and support.

Key Responsibilities:

Development Strategy & Leadership

• Design and implement a comprehensive development plan aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Build a sustainable fundraising infrastructure that includes systems for donor tracking, stewardship, prospect research, communications, and prospective family outreach.
• Partner with Purdue for Life (PFL) to identify and leverage joint fundraising opportunities.
• Lead the development of fundraising materials, cases for support, campaign messaging, and enrollment-focused marketing collateral.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team in shaping philanthropic and enrollment priorities and goals.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate donors.
• Manage a portfolio of high-level prospects and donors, creating personalized engagement plans and strategies for cultivation and solicitation.
• Prepare detailed briefings and follow-up materials for CEO and board members to support their fundraising efforts.
• Plan and execute donor engagement events and campaigns that elevate the profile of PPHS.
• Track and report progress toward fundraising goals, including donor retention and gift growth metrics.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the development and execution of marketing, branding, and public relations strategies that elevate PPHS’s visibility and support fundraising efforts.
• Manage digital, print, and social media strategies in alignment with development, organizational, and student recruitment goals. 
• Coordinate storytelling efforts across the network, highlighting student success and innovation to attract donors and prospective families.
• Serve as the brand steward, ensuring consistent messaging and tone in all outreach and engagement materials.

Collaboration & Team Leadership

• Partner with school leaders to identify and amplify compelling stories and outcomes that support fundraising and engagement efforts.
• Ensure consistent communication across departments to align on strategy, branding, and messaging.
• Provide tools, training, and support to increase development capacity across the organization.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure accurate tracking and acknowledgment of all donations in compliance with IRS and donor intent requirements.
• Oversee donor database management and maintain detailed records of interactions and giving history.
• Produce regular fundraising reports for the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and ethical standards related to fundraising and marketing.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including managing major gift portfolios and campaigns.
• Demonstrated success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individual and institutional donors.
• Proven experience designing and executing development strategies and systems from the ground up.
• Experience managing marketing, communications, and branding efforts within a mission-driven organization.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized, goal-oriented, and self-directed with strong attention to detail.
• Passion for educational equity and commitment to the mission and values of PPHS.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer HSA contributions and wellness reimbursements
• Parental leave and childcare discounts
• 403(b) retirement plans
• Generous Paid Time Off and professional development opportunities

At-Will Employment

Employment at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is at will.  This means that either PPHS or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.  Nothing in this posting or any communication should be interpreted as a guarantee of continued employment.