Executive Director of Development, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

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 donor’s 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives ensure that our colleagues are celebrated for who they are and have a voice. 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, offering yoga, a lunchtime walking group, meditation breaks, the Headspace app, and topical workshops. 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.

About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy:

Our mission is to increase understanding of philanthropy and generosity around the world through multidisciplinary research, transformational education, professional development, professional practices, and active engagement. Our school welcomes changemakers including learners, practitioners, communities, donors, and all who are curious about philanthropy.

We envision a thought-leading community where life-long learners and changemakers connect and challenge one another to improve the world. We believe that the discovery and sharing of indispensable knowledge about philanthropy contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Job Description

The Indiana University Foundation, in partnership with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, invites applicants for the Executive Director of Development position.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development with a dotted line to the Dean of Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and leading a small, dedicated team of advancement professionals and support staff, the Executive Director of Development plays an integral role in leading and driving philanthropic engagement and support for the Lilly Family School. This is an exciting time to join the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in a leadership position, as the team begins executing Strategic Plan 2027, further driving an equitable and welcoming community for all constituents to improve the understanding and effectiveness of philanthropy worldwide.

 In concert with the Dean, the Executive Director of Development creates and leads the strategic direction for a comprehensive and coordinated development program that includes all aspects of fundraising, including annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and major and principal gifts with an emphasis on major gift fundraising. The position collaborates closely with the School’s internal resources and IU Foundation services to ensure a comprehensive and donor-centered advancement program.  

The ideal candidate for this important position is eager to take fundraising to the next level, is excited about building relationships with donors, staff, faculty, and key constituents, and is someone who has proven success in building strategic partnerships and engaging in opportunities for new, big ideas. This is a highly collaborative position with plentiful opportunities to engage not only alumni of the school but also community partners and non-alumni throughout the Indianapolis community and beyond. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience Required

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in fundraising or relevant experience in a large complex organization including proven success in major gift development work and leadership experience required.