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🌟 Overview of Jobs at Iowa State University Foundation

The Iowa State University Foundation (ISUF), based in Ames, Iowa, plays a pivotal role in supporting Iowa State University (ISU), a premier land-grant institution known for its excellence in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. Jobs at Iowa State University Foundation revolve around philanthropy, endowment management, and advancement services, helping to secure resources for scholarships, faculty positions, and cutting-edge research. Unlike traditional academic roles at ISU, foundation positions focus on fundraising, donor relations, and operational support to fuel the university's mission.

Working at the foundation means contributing to ISU's legacy in the heart of Ames, a vibrant college town with a population of around 66,000, offering a blend of Midwestern charm and academic energy. The foundation manages over $1.8 billion in assets as of recent reports, channeling funds to more than 3,000 endowed funds that benefit students and faculty. Careers here attract professionals passionate about higher education and nonprofit work, providing opportunities to impact thousands of lives through strategic giving.

Positions range from entry-level administrative roles to senior development officers, with salaries competitive for the region—often starting at $50,000 for coordinators and exceeding $100,000 for directors. The foundation emphasizes mission-driven work, where employees help bridge donor generosity with ISU's innovative programs.

📜 History of the Iowa State University Foundation

Founded in 1958, the Iowa State University Foundation was created to centralize fundraising efforts for ISU, which was established in 1858 as the first coeducational land-grant university in the United States. Over the decades, ISUF has evolved from a small alumni association into a sophisticated organization, raising billions for capital campaigns like the $1.1 billion Campaign Iowa State concluded in 2019. This history underscores its commitment to ISU's tripartite mission of teaching, research, and extension.

Key milestones include the establishment of the Cardinal Guild in the 1930s for student support and major expansions in the 2000s to include planned giving and corporate partnerships. Today, it employs over 100 staff members dedicated to stewardship, ensuring long-term financial health for ISU's programs in Ames. Understanding this history is essential for job seekers, as roles often involve leveraging the foundation's storied legacy to engage donors.

💼 Types of Jobs at Iowa State University Foundation

The foundation offers diverse roles in advancement services. Common positions include:

• Gift Officers: Build relationships with major donors to secure contributions for specific ISU colleges like engineering or agriculture.
• Endowment Managers: Oversee investment portfolios and compliance for endowed funds supporting scholarships.
• Alumni Relations Specialists: Organize events and communications to maintain lifelong connections with ISU graduates.
• Finance and Accounting Professionals: Handle budgeting, auditing, and reporting for philanthropic funds.
• Marketing and Communications Staff: Create campaigns to promote giving opportunities.

These roles complement broader university job types at ISU. For faculty or research positions, explore higher ed jobs in faculty or research jobs.

Definitions

To help understand jobs at Iowa State University Foundation, here are key terms:

• Philanthropy: The act of donating money, time, or resources to support causes like education, often through planned gifts or endowments.
• Endowment: A permanent fund where the principal is invested, and income supports university programs indefinitely.
• Development Officer: A professional who identifies, cultivates, and solicits donations from individuals and organizations.
• Stewardship: The ongoing management and reporting of donor gifts to build trust and encourage future giving.
• Land-Grant University: Public institutions like ISU focused on agriculture, science, and engineering, funded to provide practical education.

📋 Required Qualifications and Skills for Jobs at Iowa State University Foundation

Qualifications vary by role, but a bachelor's degree in business, communications, or nonprofit management is standard. Senior positions may require a master's degree or PhD in fields like public administration or philanthropy. Research focus isn't primary, but experience supporting ISU's research centers—such as in engineering or veterinary science—is advantageous.

Preferred experience includes 3-5 years in fundraising, with proven track records in securing gifts over $100,000. Publications in nonprofit journals or grants managed are bonuses. Essential skills:

• Strong interpersonal and networking abilities for donor cultivation.
• Data analysis using tools like Blackbaud or Salesforce for prospect research.
• Project management for campaign execution.
• Ethical compliance with IRS regulations for nonprofits.

Candidates should demonstrate passion for higher ed, as seen in ISU's ranking among top public universities by U.S. News & World Report.

🔗 Application Process and Tips

Applications are handled through the ISU job portal at iastate.edu/jobs or the foundation's site. Steps include:

1. Search for openings under 'Advancement' or 'Foundation'.
2. Submit a resume, cover letter, and references tailored to the role.
3. Prepare for interviews focusing on donor scenarios and ethical dilemmas.
4. Follow up with thank-you notes referencing ISU's impact.

Tips: Quantify achievements (e.g., 'Raised $500K in annual gifts'). Network via ISU alumni events. Use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com. For academic CVs, see how to write a winning academic CV. Highlight alignment with employer branding secrets in higher education.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

ISUF embraces ISU's diversity goals, with initiatives like the Inclusion Iowa program promoting equitable hiring. Employee resource groups for women, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented minorities foster belonging. The foundation reports diverse staff representation, exceeding Iowa averages, and partners with ISU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion for training. Recent efforts include scholarships for underrepresented students, tying directly to advancement roles.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life in Ames

Ames offers a high quality of life with low cost of living (15% below national average), parks, and ISU events like CYclone tailgates. Foundation jobs feature flexible schedules, hybrid work, 22 days PTO, and wellness stipends. Proximity to campus allows access to gyms, lectures, and cultural events. Employees praise the collaborative culture and professional growth opportunities, with low turnover rates.

Campus life includes Reiman Gardens, the Octagon Center for Arts, and sports at Hilton Coliseum, enriching daily experiences for staff.

🚀 Benefits and Career Growth

Competitive benefits include TIAA retirement matching, health coverage, and tuition remission for ISU courses. Professional development via CASE conferences and internal training supports advancement to director levels. Success stories include staff rising from coordinators to vice presidents within a decade.

For more, check higher ed jobs, professor salaries, or university salaries.

📊 Summary: Pursue Your Career at Iowa State University Foundation

Jobs at Iowa State University Foundation offer meaningful impact in Ames, Iowa. Ready to advance your career in higher ed? Explore openings on higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with like-minded professionals today.

Learn about postdoctoral success or becoming a university lecturer for related paths.