Associate Director of Development, Scholarships & Student Experience — IU Indianapolis

Job description

At the Indiana University Foundation, we believe philanthropy can change the trajectory of a student’s life. We’re seeking an Associate Director of Development, Scholarships & Student Experience to help unlock that potential across IU Indianapolis. This is a unique opportunity for a fundraiser who wants to think broadly across scholarships, access and affordability, student success, and the experiences that help students thrive. Serving as a frontline fundraiser, you’ll manage a portfolio of approximately 40–50 major gift prospects and leadership-level donors while partnering across Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Education, Educational Success Programs, and the Groups Scholars Program. Your work will connect donors’ passions with opportunities that expand educational access, strengthen the student experience, and advance some of IU Indianapolis’s highest priorities. You won’t be starting from scratch. Strong campus relationships have already been built, and there is real momentum and significant opportunity to continue it. You’ll deepen partnerships across a complex university, uncover new philanthropic possibilities, renew and grow meaningful scholarship support, and explore emerging opportunities connected to the student experience. You’ll also have the chance to look across the donor pipeline, including annual and leadership annual giving, and identify people with the interest and capacity to deepen their investment in IU. We’re looking for someone who is curious, strategic, comfortable digging into data, and equally willing to roll up their sleeves and make the ask. This could be an especially exciting next step for a successful leadership annual giving or individual giving fundraiser who is ready to grow more deeply into major gifts. You don’t need to have spent your entire career as a major gift officer, but you do need meaningful exposure to major gift fundraising or comparable experience navigating philanthropy and relationship development within a complex organization, and an understanding of what it takes to cultivate, solicit, and steward significant donor relationships. Success here will require confidence working across teams and priorities, an instinct for relationship building, and the independence to turn opportunity into momentum. And because this portfolio is ultimately about students, experience or a strong interest in Student Affairs, and particularly Student Affairs fundraising, is a definite plus, as is experience with scholarships, honors programs, career services, or other student-centered initiatives. If you’re ready to take what you’ve learned in leadership giving and expand your major gift experience while helping shape philanthropic support for students across IU Indianapolis, we’d love to hear from you. Knowledge & Skills: Demonstrated success in fundraising, major gifts, annual giving, relationship management, or business development. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide variety of internal and external constituents. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to analyze information, solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and think strategically. Ability to work effectively within a collaborative, matrixed organizational environment. Experience managing donor, client, or customer relationships and utilizing CRM or prospect management systems. General knowledge of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and philanthropic best practices. Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the Indiana University Foundation and IU Indianapolis. Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage confidential information. Willingness and ability to travel locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; combinations of related education and experience will be considered. Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising, development, major gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, community engagement, or other relevant experience within a complex organization. Experience with major gift fundraising or demonstrated exposure to major gift development work required. Candidates with a strong leadership annual giving background who are ready to grow further into major gifts are encouraged to apply. Experience working in a complex, highly collaborative, or matrixed organization preferred. Fundraising experience supporting Student Affairs, scholarships, honors programs, career services, or other student-centered initiatives is a plus. Experience in Student Affairs or Student Affairs fundraising is especially welcomed. Applications will be accepted through October 29. A cover letter is highly encouraged. We’d especially love to hear what excites you about this opportunity and how your experience in leadership annual giving, major gifts, student-focused fundraising, or navigating a complex organization has prepared you to build on existing relationships, uncover new opportunities, and grow philanthropic support for IU Indianapolis students. 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. The Indiana University Foundation (IUF) advances the mission of Indiana University by inspiring philanthropy that fuels student success, pioneering research, and transformational impact across Indiana and beyond. At IUF, we connect donors to the causes they care about most—turning passion into purpose and generosity into lasting impact. Our team values collaboration, innovation, data informed strategy, and meaningful relationships, all within a culture that supports professional growth and mission‑driven work.