Development Director

Position Details

Indiana State University seeks a dynamic and relationship-focused professional to join our team as a Development Director. This position plays a key role in advancing the university's strategic priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects.

The Development Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, develop meaningful relationships, and partner with university leaders, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic support. This role requires frequent travel and in-person engagement with donors and prospects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and other potential supporters.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective donors through personal visits and strategic engagement.
• Achieve annual goals related to donor visits, proposals submitted, gifts secured, and dollars raised.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with university priorities and donor interests.
• Partner with deans, faculty, program leaders, and university administrators to identify funding priorities and translate them into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Become knowledgeable about assigned colleges, departments, programs, and initiatives in order to effectively represent university priorities to donors and prospects.
• Prepare and present major gift proposals and funding opportunities.
• Provide exceptional stewardship to donors through meaningful engagement and ongoing communication.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Utilize available resources, including volunteers, faculty, staff, publications, events, and digital communications, to identify and engage prospective donors.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes within the university's donor database.
• Assist with special events by encouraging attendance, hosting guests, and representing the Division of University Advancement.
• Serve on university committees, participate in special projects, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Travel regularly to meet with donors and prospects and attend university-related events, including occasional evenings and weekends.