About Us

Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon’s most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities. 

At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC, nearly a quarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources with integrity and purpose. 

Recognized as one of Oregon’s best non-profits to work for five years in a row, PSU Foundation is a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging—empowering every team member to bring bold ideas and their authentic selves to work. 

About The Role 

The Senior Director of Development I leads the strategy and execution of fundraising efforts for designated units/Colleges/Schools/campaign priorities and manages an individual portfolio of prospects to advance major and principal gift opportunities in alignment with Portland State University’s mission, strategic goals, and the upcoming campaign for PSU. 

This position is responsible for meeting gift revenue goals, expanding the donor pipeline, and developing and executing comprehensive strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors while maintaining a high-performing, mission-driven team culture through mentorship, accountability, and professional development.  

This position regularly works with PSU stakeholders, faculty, and Foundation colleagues to align fundraising strategy with academic initiatives. 

Position Overview 

• Manages a High-Impact Portfolio: Leads a dynamic portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects, ensuring strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Maintains accountability for achieving fundraising goals while fostering trust and collaboration across teams. 

• Drives Strategic, Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leads and contributes to complex, cross-organizational initiatives—including annual planning and goal-setting—by promoting open communication, shared ownership, and a solutions-oriented mindset. 

• Serves as a Strategic Partner to Academic Leadership: Acts as the primary development liaison for academic leaders and/or deans for the assigned college/unit, providing guidance and ensuring alignment between philanthropic opportunities and institutional priorities. 

• Engages Faculty to Advance Philanthropic Priorities: Builds strong, respectful partnerships with faculty to identify and elevate funding priorities that support the Foundation and University priorities. 

• Prioritizes Transformational Impact: Identifies and advances high-value opportunities that inspire donors to make meaningful investments in students, faculty, programs, and learning environments—emphasizing long-term impact and shared success. 

• Leads with Future in Focus: Participates in and leads planning efforts that enhance fundraising effectiveness, encourage innovation, and promotes a collaborative, high-performing team culture. 

• Represents PSUF at Events: Actively participates in and supports development-related events, serving as a positive ambassador for the university and fostering a sense of community and belonging among stakeholders. 

• Leads with Values + Intention: Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and values-aligned leadership as a member of the Supervisor Team, serving as a champion of organizational mission, strategy, and culture; fostering cross-functional collaboration; and promoting organizational change initiatives.
  
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Measures of Success 

• Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics