Director of Development of Student Success & University Initiatives

At the PSU Foundation, we believe in the power of higher education to transform lives. We are a mission-driven organization focused on advancing Portland State University through relationships, community connections and philanthropy.

As part of our team, you’ll join a group of passionate, committed and engaged individuals working to empower students, faculty and the communities we serve.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Development of Student Success & University Initiatives (SUI) will take charge on fundraising efforts for university-wide scholarships, cross-disciplinary student success programs, and initiatives that resonate with the university’s vision.

This role will be pivotal in supporting future campaign pillars and presidential initiatives, working closely with academic leadership to develop and execute fundraising strategies that directly impact student success.

This position will drive best practices in student success fundraising, articulate the value of supporting these programs, and drive revenue growth by broadening the donor base.

With a focus on high-value opportunities, the Director of Development of SUI will engage donors to make a transformational impact on students, faculty, and the broader PSU community.

Position Overview

Build and enhance fundraising efforts for university-wide scholarships, cross-disciplinary student success programs, and unit-based initiatives that align with the university's vision.

Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics, including face-to-face visits, submitted / funded proposals, and individual and unit fundraising targets, consistently securing six- and seven-figure gifts and grants.

• Play a critical role in supporting future campaign pillars and presidential-driven initiatives, ensuring alignment with long-term university goals and contributing to strategic planning that continuously enhances fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Partner with university and academic leadership to create and implement a student success fundraising initiative that aligns with the strategic plan, providing clear pathways for regional learners to achieve their educational goals and demonstrating a strong return on investment to supporters.
• Serve as the go-to resource and promoter of best practices for student success fundraising within PSUF, driving positive impact on all student support gifts across the Foundation.

Effectively manage a portfolio of prospects through all phases of the donor cultivation cycle, with a special emphasis on cultivating and soliciting gifts and grants of $50K or more, ensuring sustained donor engagement and contribution growth.

• Clearly communicate the value of supporting scholarship programs and other key PSU student success and presidential fundraising priorities, inspiring donor commitment
• Increase gift revenue by broadening the funnel for major and principal gifts
• Develop and maintain robust approaches for identifying, qualifying, engaging, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding key constituencies, including alumni, prospective donors, and current supporters.

Maintain strong, effective relationship management both internally with PSU Foundation partners and units, and externally with donors and prospects, fostering trust and collaboration that advances the Foundation's mission.

• Focus on high-impact opportunities to engage donors in making transformational contributions that benefit students, faculty, programs, and learning spaces.
• Participate in annual and strategic development planning to continuously enhance fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Attend and actively contribute to development-related events, representing the PSU Foundation and the university.
• Positively represent the PSU Foundation and Portland State University in public and professional settings, enhancing the organization’s reputation and outreach.
• May directly supervise 1-4 development team members, carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies.

Hire and train staff, plan, assign, and direct work, and conduct regular performance evaluations. Address complaints or performance issues promptly and constructively, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Oversee budget management responsibilities, ensuring financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support fundraising goals.

Education & Experience Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five to eight years of relevant fundraising experience is required, with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts and grants.

Fundraising experience in higher education is preferred.

• Familiarity with donor databases is required
• Knowledge of Portland’s donor community is preferred
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, coaching and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze processes and information, identify trends, challenges, opportunities, solutions and strategies.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment placing a high premium on collaboration toward shared goals and understanding complex processes.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications.

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with necessary stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization and at every level.
• Ability to make strong decisions that are organization-focused, strategic and have a positive impact.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to deploy discretion related to confidential information.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience using Microsoft Office, Google Applications, Adobe Sign and other paperless management tools.

Experience with expense and financial management systems is a plus.

• Demonstrate reliable, regular and predictable work attendance.
• Self-motivated and require little guidance to tackle projects, tasks and priorities.
• Ability to create and collaborate within an equitable and inclusive team environment, and to communicate effectively within the context of diverse behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.

Other Essential Information

• Department : Development
• Work Days / Hours : Full Time, 40 hours / week, Monday-Friday
• Work Type : We currently have a hybrid work model at the PSU Foundation. This position will be required to work at least 16-24 hours / week on Portland State University campus and the remainder of the work week may be worked remotely in Oregon or Washington.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual Compensation : $79,400 $99,200 (depending on experience)
• Full Time Employee Benefits : We are proud to say that we have one of the leading benefit packages for Nonprofit organizations in Oregon.

Highlights of our benefits package includes :

• 100% employer paid medical coverage on our base-plan for all enrolled employees. Two additional buy-up plans are offered.
• 34 days of paid time off every year available after a 90-day initial employment period
• 11 company paid holidays
• Up to 12% employer contributions to an eligible employee’s 401(k) plan
• Employer paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance coverage
• Portland State University affiliated employee benefits
• For a full list of our awesome full-time employee benefits, please visit :

PSU Foundation is an EEO employer. To learn more about the foundation, our strategic direction and our financial impacts, please visit :

Interested in applying? We invite you to submit your application, along with your resume and cover letter, through our website.

Preferred application deadline for this position is September 16th, 2024.