3-5 years of work experience in non-profit fundraising or a sales related field. About the
Institution:
Indiana State University is a Tier 2 national University with a Carnegie classification of doctoral/research. Nationally ranked and accredited, we are in Terre Haute, IN and have been recognized by the Princeton Review and the Wall Street Journal among the best universities in the Midwest. Indiana State is one of the most diverse college campuses in Indiana and home to a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff representing nearly every U.S. state and 36 countries around the world. Our beautiful, active, pedestrian-friendly campus is located within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and activities in Terre Haute's historic downtown district. Situated near the Indiana-Illinois border, we are located 70 miles southwest of Indianapolis and within a few hours of major metropolitan centers in St. Louis, Chicago, and Louisville. On campus, there are 160 student-run organizations, an expansive Student Recreation Center, a Performing Arts Series, and University Speakers Series, among other attractions. Indiana State Athletics, known as the "Fighting Sycamores," fields 15 NCAA Division I athletic teams in the Missouri Valley Conference. Ranked nationally for social mobility, Indiana State University transforms the lives of our students through experiential learning, community engagement, and career readiness, serving as a dynamic educational partner for businesses and industries throughout the Midwest. Our faculty provide instruction in small class sizes that provide opportunities for personalized instruction and feedback. Indiana State supports and recognizes faculty research and scholarship, providing an internal grants resource pool and other forms of support, and awarding faculty research honors each spring. Indiana State University is a place of belonging where students, faculty, and staff learn, thrive, and grow together. Indiana State University is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our employment application process.
Position Details:
Indiana State University seeks a dynamic and relationship-focused professional to join our team as a Development Director. This position plays a key role in advancing the university's strategic priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects. The Development Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, develop meaningful relationships, and partner with university leaders, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic support. This role requires frequent travel and in-person engagement with donors and prospects. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students, faculty, and programs while helping advance the mission of Indiana State University. Successful candidates will be energized by building relationships, achieving fundraising goals, and helping donors make a meaningful impact on Indiana State University students and programs. Primary Responsibilities Develop and maintain a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and other potential supporters.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective donors through personal visits and strategic engagement.
Achieve annual goals related to donor visits, proposals submitted, gifts secured, and dollars raised.
Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with university priorities and donor interests.
Partner with deans, faculty, program leaders, and university administrators to identify funding priorities and translate them into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
Become knowledgeable about assigned colleges, departments, programs, and initiatives in order to effectively represent university priorities to donors and prospects.
Prepare and present major gift proposals and funding opportunities.
Provide exceptional stewardship to donors through meaningful engagement and ongoing communication.
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
Utilize available resources, including volunteers, faculty, staff, publications, events, and digital communications, to identify and engage prospective donors.
Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes within the university's donor database.
Assist with special events by encouraging attendance, hosting guests, and representing the Division of University Advancement.
Serve on university committees, participate in special projects, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Travel regularly to meet with donors and prospects and attend university-related events, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Successful candidates will possess strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills. Prior fundraising experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with experience in sales, business development, or other relationship-centered professions are encouraged to apply, as many of these skills transfer successfully to fundraising.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
The ability to build trust and develop meaningful relationships with a wide variety of constituents.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
Strategic thinking and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Comfort engaging in conversations about investment, partnership, and philanthropy.
A commitment to the mission of higher education and student success.
Job Summary:
The Development Director will contribute to a comprehensive fundraising program by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects, including individuals and corporations. The Development Director works with donors, prospects, academic partners and the campus community, and is expected to travel and meet with prospects and donors at least 50% of the time. The Development Director is responsible for presenting major gift proposals to individuals in their portfolio consistently, based on goals set by their supervisor.
Required Field of Study:
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