Director of Development - College of Veterinary Medicine

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Director of Development (College of Veterinary Medicine) to join our philanthropy team! The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked among the nation’s top veterinary programs. 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. As a preeminent comprehensive college of veterinary medicine, a national leader in veterinary education, a preferred provider of veterinary care in the Southeast, and home to a dynamic research enterprise advancing discovery and innovation, the college is poised for continued growth. 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.
• 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, grateful clients, 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 Veterinary Medicine, benefiting its students, faculty, and staff.
• Strengthen Partnerships and Engagement: Build strong relationships with the College of Veterinary Medicine Dean, academic leaders, and volunteer groups, ensuring active participation in fundraising efforts. Develop proposals and engagement strategies that keep top prospects informed and connected.
• 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 Auburn University, the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine, 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 Calvin M. Johnson, 7th Dean of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, in its 119th year. Dean Johnson advances the college’s academic mission in instruction, research, outreach, and professional service. Dr. Johnson is a 1986 graduate (DVM) of Auburn University and in 1992 earned the PhD in pathology and biotechnology from North Carolina State University. He achieved board certification in anatomic pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) in 1993. Dr. Johnson served on the faculty of the University of Florida for 11 years before moving to Auburn. He served for six years as department head of Pathobiology and one year as acting dean before being named dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn in 2013. Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, the College of Veterinary Medicine educates 520 veterinary students and 105 graduate students in biomedical sciences, and supports the professional activities of 145 faculty members.

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.

• Purpose: Lead and execute strategies to secure major and principal gifts in alignment with Auburn University and the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s fundraising priorities. Manage a personal portfolio while guiding team efforts to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with the College of Veterinary Medicine Dean, 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 and 7 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.

Director of Development II

• Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.

Director of Development III

• Bachelor's degree and 9 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Driver License, Valid and in State 

• Extensive understanding of development principles, strategies, theories, techniques and systems, including donor records/CRM systems.
• Extensive knowledge of management/supervisory practices and principles.

• 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!