As a Development Unit Lead, you will manage the fundraising operation for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This will include leading a team of fundraising professionals, frequently meeting with donors face-to-face in their homes, at events or hosting at a restaurant or coffee shop. Working each day to connect donors’ philanthropic interests with campus priorities, you will blend your professional knowledge, relationship building, developing programs and talent with philanthropic strategies.

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the fundraising operation of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to meet the private support needs of the college.
• Collaborate and consult with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and college administrators to set fundraising priorities and develop strategies to achieve goals.
• Effectively translate ideas into action by designing fundraising plans tied to the priority needs of the college.
• Provide leadership to a team of development professionals. Provide coaching and guidance to help the team achieve their personal and unit goals.
• Develop and implement appropriate stewardship activity for donors and prospects in assigned areas.
• Participate in strategic planning, cultivation, and stewardship of major, leadership, and principal gift prospects assigned to the college.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 8 years of professional fundraising experience. Experience in higher education fundraising is preferred.
• 4 years of experience managing professional fundraising staff and budget management.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Ability to achieve ambitious goals. You should have a remarkable track record for leading successful initiatives with measurable results.
• Strategic thinker, relationship builder, leadership skills, and excellent communicator. You should be articulate and persuasive with diplomacy and tact to represent the foundation to multiple constituents, donors, and campus leadership. You must also have demonstrable skills in persuasive speaking and influencing others.
• Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. You can champion donor-centeredness by understanding the desires of the donors and creating simple solutions.
• Strong team orientation, a dedicated work ethic, and a positive and professional attitude.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple initiatives.
• Ability to use a variety of software applications.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals

Travel: Travel required

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid

For additional information, visit the following pages:

• Iowa State University Foundation
• Benefits Package Information
• Iowa State University
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The Iowa State University Foundation has retained Lindauer, an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled.

Candidates should submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations, applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed to Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant, rharvey@lindauerglobal.com.