The ISU Foundation is positioned for fundraising growth and the leadership gifts marketplace is a critical component for increasing fundraising production. The executive director of development – principal and leadership gifts will work with key internal and external constituents to plan and develop strategies to strengthen the pipeline and enhance activity within the leadership gifts donor segment. They will work collaboratively across units and with development colleagues to join strategy discussions and offer support and organizational resources to staff as they navigate substantial gifting conversations. The executive director of development may be donor facing in some instances.

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Create and implement a plan to enhance development officer activity, solicitations, and drive more gifts from the leadership gifts segment of donors.
• Lead efforts to build process, structure, and reporting to drive more solicitations. Strategize with development leaders to determine how to best guide and lead strategy on these gifts with their direct reports.
• Collaborate daily with development staff – coaching, leading, and strategizing on donor interactions and comprehensive pipeline development at the leadership level.
• Interpret data and reporting to guide decisions.
• Communicate regularly with key university and foundation stakeholders on gift solicitations and closures.

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 8 years of professional fundraising experience.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience working with a collegiate dean, director, or another organizational leader within the fundraising process.
• Strong collaboration skills, relationship development and management, ability to adapt to changing or urgent situations. Competency in making face-to-face solicitations.
• Strong program building skills.  Ability to take information, build a plan and execute the plan using resources available.
• Ability to coach and mentor fundraising professionals.
• Excellent customer service skills (end user support/services) with the ability to describe technical concepts from a business perspective.
• Ability to interpret financial information and manage data.
• High-level understanding of the development process and donor cycle, strategic thinking, understanding of higher education landscape and governance, and specific university challenges and opportunities especially as they relate to the position of university president.
• Coaching and leading skills. Self-motivated (a “self-starter”); innovative and ability to work with considerable independence within the context of a team environment and a network of relationships.
• Knowledge of university governance and financial policies and guidelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software.
• Must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals.

Travel: Some travel

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA

For additional information, visit the following pages:

• Iowa State University Foundation
• Benefits Package Information
• Iowa State University

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About Iowa State University Foundation

The Iowa State University Foundation is a private non-profit organization dedicated to securing and stewarding private gifts and grants that benefit Iowa State University. Each year, thousands of generous benefactors make gifts to show their support for Iowa State.

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