Associate Director of Development, US (Fundraising Specialist)

IE University•New York, NY

1d•$120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Are you interested in joining a dynamic and international team of professionals to transform education? IE University's Foundation is looking for an Associate Director of Development, US (Fundraising Specialist) to join its team! About IE University IE University is a global, purpose-driven institution committed to shaping leaders who drive positive change through innovation, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and a deeply international outlook. With campuses in Spain and New York, IE is recognized for its cutting-edge programs, world-class faculty, and strong connection to global industry and society. The IE US Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports IE’s mission by mobilizing philanthropic resources in the United States to expand access to education, advance research and innovation, and strengthen IE’s global impact. The Associate Director of Development, US, will play a pivotal role in scaling our philanthropic reach and strengthening IE’s presence across the U.S. market. The Associate Director of Development, US, serves as a frontline fundraiser responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, foundations, and corporations across the United States. The role will focus on building a robust philanthropic pipeline that advances IE University’s strategic priorities—including scholarships, global research initiatives, and the development of IE New York College. As a primary ambassador for IE University in the United States, the ideal candidate will embody and communicate IE’s global, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven ethos; alumni of IE University are particularly well positioned to do so. This is a mission-critical position for expanding IE’s advancement footprint in the U.S. and building the foundation for a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy over time. Why IE University?With 50 years of experience and founded by and for entrepreneurs, IE University has turned business education on its head through disruptive teaching. We count on high-level faculty who bring real-world experience into the classroom and foster a hands-on approach to learning. Our PurposeAt IE University, we foster positive change through education, research, and innovation.As a transformative educational institution, we empower students to make their mark on the world. We provide them with the skills, knowledge and environment needed to make a difference, and they join a supportive and international community that lasts a lifetime.Our spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship has allowed us to drive change and constantly stay at the cutting edge of higher education. And through diversity, we have harnessed the power of people while also understanding and embracing the importance of humanities. Our People At IE we are: People-driven Change Builders Autonomy Enthusiasts Communication Enthusiasts Knowledge Champions We are looking for a person to join a full-time position in New York.

Requirements

5–8+ years of progressive experience in development, major gifts, or advancement, ideally within higher education or a mission-driven nonprofit.
Demonstrated success cultivating and securing five- and six-figure gifts.
Strong understanding of U.S. philanthropy, including high-net-worth giving, foundations, and corporate philanthropy.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to travel nationally (25–35%) and work effectively across time zones and cultures.
Commitment to IE University’s mission of global education, innovation, diversity, and positive societal impact.
Experience working with international institutions or globally diverse donor communities.
Broad understanding of advancement functions including major gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, communications, and marketing.
Proven ability to represent senior leadership and engage high-profile stakeholders.
Familiarity with CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar).

Nice To Haves

IE University alumni strongly encouraged to apply; firsthand experience with IE’s culture, innovation model, and international learning environment is a significant asset.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 100–150 qualified prospects, including high-net-worth alumni, parents, senior executives, and foundation/corporate partners.
Develop and implement tailored strategies to secure major gifts (5–6 figures), annual giving leadership gifts, and multi-year commitments.
Conduct donor discovery, cultivation visits, solicitations, and high-quality stewardship across the U.S.
Prepare proposals, donor materials, and case statements aligned with IE’s priorities.
Launch and manage a Leadership Giving Program targeting IE’s most senior alumni and executive networks in the U.S.
Build a Family Giving Program for the approximately 700 U.S.-based families with current IE bachelor students.
Support fundraising for IE New York College, including scholarships, academic initiatives, and student experience programs.
Lead U.S. fundraising strategy for the IEX Research Xcelerator, engaging foundations, corporations, and high-impact individual donors.
Advance IE University’s visibility through events, strategic networking, and engagement opportunities with alumni, families, and partners.
Collaborate closely with the IE Global Alumni Relations team to enhance alumni engagement and giving participation.
Represent IE University at donor events, conferences, and development-related activities in the U.S.
Work in close partnership with colleagues at the IE Foundation (Madrid), IE US Office, and IE New York College leadership to ensure alignment with IE’s global fundraising priorities.
Partner with IE’s Institutional Relations, Corporate Relations, Marketing & Communications, and Academic units to support integrated advancement efforts.
Provide regular reporting, forecasting, and metrics tracking to senior leadership.
Maintain meticulous donor records in the CRM and ensure compliance with U.S. nonprofit (501(c)(3)) regulations.
Contribute to the long-term development of a comprehensive institutional advancement function in the U.S., including major giving, annual giving, alumni relations, and integrated communications.
Bring a growth mindset capable of scaling operations, systems, and strategy in a fast-paced, global higher-education context.