Director, Alumni & Student Entrepreneur Engagement

Indiana University Foundation • Bloomington, IN

2d • $95,000 - $105,000

About The Position

If you’re energized by the thrill of early-stage ideas, the hustle of startup building, and the transformative power of networks, Indiana University has created a first-of-its-kind role just for you. IU Innovates has been building on the rich entrepreneurial ecosystem and strengthening what engagement looks like at a major research university—and we’re searching for a Director of Alumni & Student Entrepreneur Engagement to help architect the future. This is your chance to ignite the next generation of IU founders by activating the time, talent, and treasure of our 805,000-strong alumni community. You’ll serve as the ultimate connector: the person who knows which alum has exactly the insight, introduction, or investment mindset a student founder needs—and who can bring them to the same table at the exact right moment. Compelling, right? In this role, you’ll operate like an entrepreneur yourself. You’ll build systems from the ground up, pilot creative engagement models, and iterate toward scalable pathways that link student innovation with alumni expertise. You’ll coach student founders to pitch their challenges with clarity, facilitate high-impact mentor matches, and cultivate a thriving network of alumni entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and champions. And because this role sits at the intersection of innovation and philanthropy, you’ll also be a fundraiser—identifying alumni whose generosity, mentorship, or investment potential can accelerate IU’s innovation ecosystem. Your work will directly fuel programs, scholarships, venture pipelines, and opportunities that power IU’s boldest entrepreneurial dreams. You’ll collaborate across IU Innovates, IU Ventures, the IU Foundation, the IU Alumni Association, and schools and programs university-wide—bridging communities and further expanding the entrepreneurial reach of IU. You’ll represent IU at events and conferences, amplify success stories, and help shape a culture where alumni and students build together. If you are a natural connector, a relationship-builder, a storyteller, a strategist, and someone who sees philanthropy and entrepreneurship as two sides of the same opportunity-driven coin, this is your chance to make a generational impact. Join us.

Requirements

• Proven ability or demonstrated interest in navigating start up, investor, and entrepreneur communities
• Interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously, manage a budget, and exercise independent judgment
• Strong organizational and data management skills
• Passion for mentoring students and advancing innovation through relationships and philanthropy
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in business, entrepreneurship, communications, or related field preferred
• 5 years’ experience in entrepreneurship, venture development, alumni engagement, fundraising, or corporate partnerships required.
• Experience with CRM systems preferred

Responsibilities

• Build systems from the ground up, pilot creative engagement models, and iterate toward scalable pathways that link student innovation with alumni expertise.
• Coach student founders to pitch their challenges with clarity, facilitate high-impact mentor matches, and cultivate a thriving network of alumni entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and champions.
• Identify alumni whose generosity, mentorship, or investment potential can accelerate IU’s innovation ecosystem.
• Collaborate across IU Innovates, IU Ventures, the IU Foundation, the IU Alumni Association, and schools and programs university-wide—bridging communities and further expanding the entrepreneurial reach of IU.
• Represent IU at events and conferences, amplify success stories, and help shape a culture where alumni and students build together.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees