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 IU Foundation is seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior Director of Development to serve as the lead fundraiser for the School of Liberal Arts on the Indiana. University Indianapolis Campus. Reporting to the Vice President of Development at the Indiana University Foundation with a dotted line to the Dean of the school, this position plays a pivotal role in aligning the school’s bold vision with philanthropic impact—building partnerships that drive innovation and opportunity for students, faculty, and the broader community.

As the lead development officer, you’ll champion the School of Liberal Arts’ priorities by managing a robust portfolio of major gift prospects while guiding a small team focused on alumni engagement and donor stewardship. You’ll collaborate with faculty, staff, and IU Foundation partners to create meaningful donor experiences, steward lasting relationships, and implement high-impact fundraising strategies. This role requires a results-oriented leader who is passionate about the liberal arts and creating meaningful connections. If you are a proven fundraiser who believes in the value of the humanities and social sciences, and you’re ready to build a legacy of giving that uplifts liberal arts, we invite you to apply.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to handle multiple demands and/or manage complex and competing priorities;
• Experience related to 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 holds 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;
• 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 in 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.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree is required; CFRE and/or an advanced degree is highly preferred.  
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in fundraising or relevant experience in complex organization including proven success in major gift development work. Two years’ progressive management experience required.
• Combination of related education and experience will be considered.

This position is based out of the IU Indianapolis Campus at the School of Liberal Arts. The compensation range for this role is $100,000- $110,000 annually. A cover letter is recommended as part of your application. Applications will be accepted through July 27th, 2025.

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.