Director of Development (Gogue Performing Arts Center)

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Director of Development (Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center) to join our philanthropy team! The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center plays an integral part in the cultural life of the University, its alumni, the cities of Auburn and Opelika, and the surrounding region. You will lead and inspire a passionate team to secure transformative philanthropic contributions, vital for the advancement and enrichment of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, Auburn Advancement, and Auburn University. Your leadership and partnered vision will cultivate meaningful relationships and drive impactful support that empowers our mission and fuels Auburn University’s growth.

What You’ll Do:
Lead with Vision: Manage and motivate a team of talented fundraisers to achieve ambitious fundraising goals, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Engage and Inspire: Work with prospects, donors, corporations, foundations, performing arts members and patrons, volunteer leaders, and high-level administrators to secure funding and support for the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

Drive Impactful Fundraising: Maintain comprehensive and consistent records, regularly auditing data for accuracy and integrity to support reporting and compliance requirements.

Champion Philanthropy: Build meaningful relationships with philanthropic donors, securing transformative gifts, and inspiring a culture of giving that directly supports the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, Auburn Advancement, and Auburn University’s mission and growth.

Why You’ll Love It Here:
Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to elevating the cultural landscape of East Alabama through the Auburn University Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

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.

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.

About the Center:
The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University engages audiences from the campus, across Alabama, and beyond through thoughtfully curated performances that inspire, enlighten, and unite. Since its opening in 2019, the Center has presented award-winning Broadway productions, internationally renowned musicians, and acclaimed dance companies, showcasing the transformative power of the performing arts. Under the leadership of Executive Director Christopher Heacox, the Center continues to broaden access to world-class artistic experiences. Heacox brings extensive experience in the performing arts and a strong commitment to advancing educational excellence through meaningful cultural engagement.

This position reports jointly to the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy and the Executive Director of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

Your Responsibilities as the Director of Development:
Purpose: Drive fundraising success by cultivating a personal portfolio of prospects and traveling to secure major gifts, you will ensure the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center meets its fundraising goals and objectives. By keeping track of monthly gift and pledge totals, you will guide your team to develop personalized strategies that lead to successful gift closures.

Collaboration: As a team leader, you will create a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. Lead the staff by setting clear expectations and goals to ensure continuous growth and excellence. Partnering closely with the Executive Director, you will leverage their strengths to maximize fundraising efforts, while building professional relationships with key volunteer groups to align their work with our goals.

Innovation: A strategic mindset will lead the charge in assessing and enhancing our processes, resource allocation, and strategies. Inspire constructive change through collaboration, identifying and overcoming barriers to team success alongside Advancement leadership and the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center Executive Director.

Production: Craft compelling proposals and presentation materials to keep our prospects informed and engaged, driving our fundraising priorities forward. Ensuring individual and team metrics are being met or exceeded. Manage our resources with precision, developing and monitoring the operating budget to ensure we achieve our desired results.

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!

Link to Job Posting and Apply Online

https://www.auemployment.com/postings/53924