As a member of the corporate engagement and foundation relations team, the primary purpose of this position is to increase fundraising production and non-philanthropic investment in support of priorities identified by university leadership. It collaborates effectively with campus leaders 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.
Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Raise commitments of $100,000+, generating support for priority projects and programs at Iowa State University.
- Create and execute comprehensive engagement strategies for a select 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.
- 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 monthly regional and overnight travel.
- Ensure that stewardship and reporting requirements are met to sustain successful partnerships and future investment.
Qualifications
Education & Work Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
- 4+ years of professional experience in any of the following areas: major gift fundraising, non-profit work, higher education, sales, communications, wealth management 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 respectful and 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 systems preferred.
- 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
- Three professional references’ names and contact information
For additional information, visit the following pages:
- Iowa State University Foundation
- Iowa State University