The Iowa State University Foundation is charged with the rewarding task of fundraising for the university. Together, we work as a team to expertly match our donors’ passions with Iowa State’s needs.
The first gift to Iowa State was made in 1899 by alumnus and former professor Edgar Stanton, who donated the original 10 bells of the Campanile. Without this first gift, and all the generous gifts since then, Iowa State’s campus would be completely different. The foundation honors this tradition today by finding new ways to move Iowa State University forward – whether through scholarship support, funding leading-edge facilities, creating new opportunities, or recruiting the best faculty.
As a member of the Corporate Engagement & Foundation Relations team, the primary purpose of this position is to increase investment in support of priorities identified by university leadership. It collaborates effectively with ISU Foundation colleagues, campus partners, and faculty to grow and nurture multi-faceted, holistic relationships with external partners. A key component to the position is the ability to be collegial and effectively collaborate with various university programs, departments and faculty, to provide guidance in an appropriate manner, and facilitate connections between university personnel, external stakeholders, and subject matter experts.
Based on qualifications and experience, a selected candidate may hold one of these job titles: Director of Corporate Engagement and Foundation Relations or Senior Director of Corporate Engagement and Foundation Relations.
Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Raise commitments of $100,000+, generating support for priority projects and programs at Iowa State University.
- Work in a highly collaborative manner to create and execute comprehensive engagement strategies for a portfolio of external partners including private foundations, companies, and corporate foundations.
- Identify and nurture relationships between external stakeholders and Iowa State University representatives who can implement strategies leading to increased investment.
- Act as a liaison to units that represent priority campus projects and initiatives with the potential to enhance engagement with external partners.
- Maintain a rigorous schedule of contact with representatives from companies and private foundations including email, phone, and face-to-face (in person or virtual) visits annually. Visits may include occasional regional and overnight travel.
- Coordinate and host campus visits for external partners.
- Ensure that stewardship and reporting requirements are met to sustain successful partnerships and future investment.
Qualifications
Education & Work Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years professional experience in any of the following areas: proposal development, major gift fundraising, team sales, non-profit work, higher education, or other related field.
Desired Skills & Experience
- Ability to achieve ambitious goals. You should have a remarkable track record for leading successful initiatives with measurable results.
- Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external constituencies.
- High degree of professionalism and diplomacy with comfort and skill interacting with the public, corporate decision-makers, and faculty.
- Approaches strategy and development with an entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
- Ability to multi-task, manage, and organize multiple initiatives.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management is required.
- Knowledge of university system, preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Frequent participation in evening and weekend work-related activities.
- 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
To APPLY please include the following items:
- Resume
- Cover letter with salary requirements
For additional information, visit the following pages:
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