Strategic Executive Director, Principal & Leadership Gifts

Iowa State University Foundation; Ames (IA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University Foundation in Ames seeks an experienced executive director of development to lead strategy for gifts of $1 million and higher, manage a donor portfolio, and collaborate with university leaders to advance Iowa State's mission.

The role emphasizes coaching staff, developing major gifts programs, coordinating cross‑unit strategy, and using data to guide decisions that grow leadership gifts.

Occasional travel is required; hybrid work in Ames is possible, with exempt status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 8 years of professional fundraising experience.
• Experience working with a collegiate dean/director or other organizational leader within fundraising.
• Experience developing and leading complex fundraising strategies with internal and external partners.
• Strong collaboration, relationship development, and adaptability.
• Strong program-building skills: plan, execute, and utilize resources.
• Ability to coach and mentor fundraising professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to interpret financial information and manage data.
• Competency in face-to-face solicitations.
• Understanding of development processes, donor cycles, and higher education landscape.
• Coaching/leadership skills; independent work within a team network.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; quick to learn new software.
• Ability to multitask with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Strict confidentiality adherence.

Responsibilities

• Enhance development officer activity, solicitations, and increase $1 million gifts.
• Collaborate daily with development staff—coaching, leading, and strategizing donor interactions and pipeline development at leadership level.
• Strategize with leadership on gifts of $1 million+ with their teams.
• Focus on deliverables, reporting, and analysis to grow leadership gifts.
• Ensure data accuracy and interpretation to guide decisions.
• Serve as a resource for development leadership related to donor interactions.
• Personally fundraise for high-priority projects and manage relationships with a donor portfolio.

Skills

Experience with collegiate leadership

Complex fundraising strategies

Collaboration across teams

Program building

Coaching fundraisers

Clear written/verbal communication

Data interpretation and reporting

Face-to-face solicitations

Donor cycle understanding in higher ed

Leadership and self-motivation

MS Office proficiency

Multitasking under deadlines

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or professional certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Iowa State University Foundation in Ames seeks an experienced executive director of development to lead strategy for gifts of $1 million and higher, manage a donor portfolio, and collaborate with university leaders to advance Iowa State's mission.

The role emphasizes coaching staff, developing major gifts programs, coordinating cross‑unit strategy, and using data to guide decisions that grow leadership gifts.

Occasional travel is required; hybrid work in Ames is possible, with exempt status.