Director of Development - College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

Auburn Advancement and the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment are excited to begin the search for a Director of Development!  The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is a flagship institution and the backbone of Alabama’s $40 billion+ forest, wildlife, and natural resources-related enterprises, a significant component of the State’s economic and employment fabric. In this leadership role, you will guide and inspire a team of development professionals while driving strategy for major and principal gifts in support of a college recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. With world-class faculty and staff, state-of-the-art labs, field sites, and other infrastructure -combined with the unwavering support of its alumni, stakeholders, and friends -the College aspires to become a top-ranked natural resources institution in the nation and world. Your leadership and strategic vision will cultivate meaningful relationships and secure transformative support that advances our mission and strengthens Auburn University’s future.

What 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.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, and their 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.

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.

• 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.

Director 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

• Knowledge of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) gift regulations, fundraising techniques and strategies, and accounting and budgeting principles and practices.
• Ability to plan and implement fundraising programs and marketing strategies.

• 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!