Senior Director of Development (Harbert College of Business)

Company: Auburn
Location: Auburn
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Position Details



Position Information




Requisition Number
S4468P




Home Org Name
Business Constituency Adv




Division Name
Senior VP, Advancement




Position Title
Senior Director of Development (Harbert College of Business)




Job Class Code
OA33




Appointment Status
Full-time




Part-time FTE





Limited Term
No




Limited Term Length





Job Summary

Auburn Advancement and the Harbert College of Business is excited to begin the search for a Senior Director of Development to join our philanthropy team! In this position, you will guide a high-performing team of fundraisers, collaborate with university and industry partners, and drive philanthropic success to support the strategic priorities of the Harbert College of Business.

What You'll Do:

• 
  
• Lead and Inspire: Mentor and manage a team of development professionals, ensuring clarity of goals, accountability, and a culture of high performance. Coach and develop team members to foster professional growth.
  
• Build Relationships and Raise Support: Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, traveling to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors whose support will drive the College's initiatives forward.
  
• Develop Strategy and Evaluate Impact: Meet and exceed unit goals and monitor progress towards benchmarks. Evaluate team effectiveness and develop tailored solicitation strategies to ensure fundraising success.
  
• Partner for Progress: Work closely with the Dean and the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy to align advancement strategies with institutional goals. Guide and support campaign committees and advisory councils to maximize impact.
  
  
  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:
    • 
      
    • Provide strategic leadership and direction for all development activities within the Harbert College of Business, ensuring alignment with the college's mission and fundraising priorities.
      
    • Lead personal and team-based efforts to secure major and leadership-level gifts that advance the college's goals and initiatives.
      
      
      Collaboration:
      • 
        
      • Partner with the Dean to align fundraising strategies with academic goals.
        
      • Work with volunteer leaders, faculty, Advancement peers, and external partners to cultivate relationships and secure support.
        
      • Collaborate regularly with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy to ensure goals and strategies are aligned across the institution.
        
        Innovation:
        • 
          
        • Assess and refine team solicitation strategies and stewardship programs using performance data and best practices.
          
        • Encourage creativity and continuous improvement within your team, identifying and eliminating barriers to success.
          
          Production:
          • 
            
          • Monitor and report on monthly and annual fundraising performance, ensuring metrics and benchmarks are met or exceeded.
            
          • Manage the unit's budget and allocate resources strategically to drive donor engagement and fundraising results.
            
          • Prepare high-impact proposals, presentations, and donor communications that reflect the college's vision and fundraising priorities.
            
            
            
            
            
            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!
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              Minimum Qualifications
              
              
              
              
              Minimum Qualifications
              
              • 
                
              • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a 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
                      $105,060 - $199,610
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      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
                      05/22/2025
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      Closing Date
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
                      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 Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) 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/53553
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      

Keywords: Auburn, Birmingham , Senior Director of Development (Harbert College of Business), Executive , Auburn, Alabama