Company Description

Are you a high-performer who wants to contribute to a mission-driven and values-based organization? If you are motivated by doing impactful work and making a difference in people’s lives, then the Indiana University Foundation (IUF) is the place for you. At the IUF, we believe in making the dream of higher education attainable, providing support for life-changing research, and preparing the next generation of leaders. As a trailblazer among our peers, we provide fundraising leadership and endowment stewardship to support needs and initiatives across all of Indiana University’s campuses. As part of our team, you will help make IU donors' dreams last forever. At the IUF we work hard, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contributions matter. We are nimble and innovative, and we want you to bring your ideas and energy to join forces with some of the best talent in our industry. In addition to being part of a meaningful mission as an IUF employee, you’ll find there are many ways to connect and collaborate.  Our FUNdation (see what we did there?) Committee helps us connect and unwind with food truck lunches, holiday gatherings, costume contests, free snacks, IU spirit-wear Fridays, and spontaneous gestures that surprise and delight. Our Wellness Committee ensures that the health and well-being of our employees is top of mind through outstanding benefits, mental health offerings, and activities. We encourage community leadership and service and make space for our staff to pursue their passions. Our total rewards philosophy ensures that we support employees financially, emotionally, and in their career growth. If the IUF sounds like a fit for you, we invite you to join us today.

The Indiana University Foundation, in partnership with the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and relationship-driven leader to serve as Executive Director of Development. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development with a dual reporting line to the Dean, this role offers the opportunity to lead development efforts for one of IU’s most innovative and fast-growing academic powerhouses. With campuses in both Bloomington and Indianapolis, Luddy is shaping the future of technology, computing, and engineering — and we’re looking for someone just as bold, excited, and forward-thinking to help us fuel that mission. As Executive Director of Development, you will set the strategic direction for a comprehensive, donor-centered advancement program that spans annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and major and principal gifts. You’ll work side-by-side with the Dean, faculty, senior staff, and IU Foundation partners to inspire transformational philanthropic support. This is your chance to bring innovative ideas to life, connect with visionary donors, and craft partnerships that will accelerate Luddy’s groundbreaking research, world-class teaching, and far-reaching community impact. We’re looking for a leader who thrives on possibility and momentum. In this role, you’ll build and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and volunteers while fostering a school-wide culture of philanthropy. Along with your team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and execute bold fundraising campaigns, create pathways for faculty and student engagement, and champion Luddy’s mission to change the world through technology and innovation. If you’re ready to lead with creativity, passion, and purpose, we can’t wait to meet you! Knowledge and Skills: Prior experience in a large, complex, matrixed environment, including evidence of effective strategic planning and implementation of action plans;

Significant leadership and management experience supervising development professionals and support staff and interacting with academic and administrative leaders;

Ability to handle multiple demands and/or manage complex and competing priorities;

Experience related to all aspects of planning and successfully executing large fundraising campaigns including working with academic leaders and preparing transformative and complex gift proposals;

Possess an ability to work comfortably within an academic environment that possesses many competing interests, priorities, and opinions;

Proven analytical skills – proficiency at framing and solving complex problems, proficiency in using large databases (e.g., standard fundraising data) to setting goals and identifying opportunities for improvement particularly as it relates to gift officer performance and staff performance;

Excellent knowledge of fundraising with a general knowledge of marketing, and communications, as well as demonstrated skills in major and planned gift solicitation and experience with major gift prospect management systems;

Demonstrated commitment to fostering collaboration across advancement disciplines;

Success developing authentic relationships with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders;

Apply critical thinking to analyze and interpret information and/or data;

Use discretion and maintain privacy, confidentiality or anonymity;

Proficient with Microsoft Office suite

Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills (able to tailor communications to multiple audiences such as the Dean, major donors, advisory board, and university leadership). Precision, timeliness, clarity, and accuracy in written communication are vital.

Qualifications

Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is highly preferred.

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in fundraising or relevant experience in a large complex organization including proven success in major gift development work and leadership experience required. Combinations of related education and experience may be considered.

Minimum 2 years’ people management experience required.

Combinations of related education and experience will be considered.

Additional Information

Applications will be accepted through September 5th, 2025. A cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering is highly recommended. This position is based out of both Bloomington and Indianapolis. Candidates may choose either campus as their primary work location, but will regularly be onsite at both locations. The IUF is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional work environment that is free of Discrimination and Harassment. The IUF will not tolerate any form of Discrimination or Harassment based on the Individual’s race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by law.