DePauw University is a private liberal arts college in Greencastle, Indiana. Founded in 1837 as Indiana Asbury College and renamed in 1884, DePauw's diverse and inclusive learning and living experience — distinctive in its rigorous intellectual engagement and its global and experiential learning opportunities — leads to a life of meaning and means. DePauw prepares graduates who support and create positive change in their communities and the world.
DePauw University develops leaders the world needs through an uncommon commitment to the liberal arts. DePauw's diverse and inclusive learning and living experience, distinctive in its rigorous intellectual engagement and its global and experiential learning opportunities, leads to a life of meaning and means. DePauw prepares graduates who support and create positive change in their communities and the world.
As a great place to learn, live and work, DePauw will become a university of choice and distinction known for the integration of its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and robust co-curriculum and its unique commitment to the success of each student.
DePauw's Bold & Gold 2027 Strategic Plan envisions a future marked by Academic Renewal, a rich and Exemplary Student Experience, an unmistakable commitment to Institutional Equity and a commitment to financial and operational stewardship that ensures DePauw's future as a Flourishing University.
President Lori S. White — DePauw's 21st president, the first woman and first person of color to hold the role — is leading this plan as the culmination of campuswide collaboration and collective insights from students, staff, faculty and alumni.
DePauw University's total combined fundraising for fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024 was $212.4 million. The university's $500 million comprehensive campaign is now in its public phase.
Amy Kwas '93 has served as DePauw's Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement since December 2023. She brings transformation to the team to drive measurable results, inclusive vision and strategy development, and successful major gifts fundraising.
Prior to joining DePauw, Amy served as Vice President of Development for The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where she led the early completion of a $71.3M comprehensive capital campaign, a 1,200% increase in corporate giving, and 81% growth in annual fund revenue over five years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from DePauw University and a Master's degree in Public Affairs from IUPUI.
Christian Shuck is an accomplished higher education fundraiser with over 15 years of experience in relationship management, staff leadership, and strategic philanthropy. Prior to DePauw, he served as Assistant Director of Campaigns and Major Gifts Officer at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he played a key role in building a pre-exit philanthropy program. He received a double major in History and Religious Studies from Hope College.
Reporting to the AVP for Development, the Development Officer supports the strategic fundraising efforts of the university through cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors with an emphasis on major gifts exceeding $100,000 and Washington C. DePauw lifetime level donors. They will be a key contributor to the success of the $500 million comprehensive campaign.
The Development Officer will manage a defined geographic territory with a focus on Chicago and the Northeast United States, and will collaborate closely with development colleagues and university constituents, coordinating joint solicitation efforts, understanding university-wide cases for support and supporting internal processes and procedures.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospects including individuals, corporations, and/or foundations, through visits and other forms of direct personal contact.
- Conduct research to identify prospects, with an emphasis on major gifts exceeding $100,000, and create strategies to match prospects' interests to the priorities of the unit and the University.
- Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with development colleagues and other constituents to maximize gift revenue, plan solicitation strategies, and leverage joint solicitation efforts.
- Assist in short- and long-range strategic planning activities to create and implement fundraising goals and objectives.
- Make effective use of the university's prospect management database and other institutional resources to ensure appropriate management of donors, prospects, alumni, and volunteers.
- Plan and conduct programs and activities designed to increase the visibility of the university and engage donors.
- Bachelor's Degree required.
- Minimum of 3+ years of development experience and demonstrated fundraising success; campaign experience preferred.
- Passion for higher education and the mission and vision of DePauw University.
- Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships.
- Friendly, optimistic colleague keen to contribute to the team and development goals.
- Excellent communication skills, including experience writing proposals and cases for support.
- Self-starter who enjoys working autonomously and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Accountable and a person of integrity who can establish trust.
- Commitment to valuing a variety of different experiences and encouraging input and collaboration from campus stakeholders.
- Organized with strong time management skills.
Please send a cover letter and resume to lauriewoodhouse@woodhousesearch.com.