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.
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.
The foundation offers diverse roles in advancement services. Common positions include:
These roles complement broader university job types at ISU. For faculty or research positions, explore higher ed jobs in faculty or research jobs.
To help understand jobs at Iowa State University Foundation, here are key terms:
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:
Candidates should demonstrate passion for higher ed, as seen in ISU's ranking among top public universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Applications are handled through the ISU job portal at iastate.edu/jobs or the foundation's site. Steps include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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