Director of Development
About The Position
The Director of Development pursues fundraising opportunities through major gifts, grassroots and annual fundraising initiatives. The role solicits, cultivates and stewards donors and prospective donors to maintain a strong base of ongoing financial support for the College. It also plans and executes special events for the Ivy Tech Foundation and other signature College events. The position develops a comprehensive fundraising portfolio, identifies and cultivates major gift prospects, foundations and industry partners, and builds long-term relationships that align donor interests with College and Foundation priorities. It plans and executes fundraising and friend-raising events, coordinates donor stewardship, maintains donor records in the Foundation CRM, and helps ensure compliance with Foundation policies, IRS regulations and fundraising best practices. In collaboration with the Director of Grant Development and Strategies, the position strategizes on funding opportunities for priorities established by campus leadership, faculty and staff. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening and weekend work as needed. The role requires travel throughout the Fort Wayne service area, with occasional travel to Indianapolis and other Indiana campuses. The employee may need to climb ladders, repeatedly lift up to 30 pounds and support event logistics.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, securing gifts and sponsorships, prospect development related to donor research, and event planning.
- Experience cultivating and managing relationships with executive leaders, donors and community partners.
- Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Proficiency with CRM/database management systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently with minimal daily direct supervision related to assigned tasks.
- Ability to attend events and meetings outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to travel as needed throughout the Fort Wayne service area, including evening and weekend travel; occasional travel to Indianapolis and other Indiana campuses may be required.
- Physical ability to climb ladders, repeatedly lift up to 30 pounds and support event logistics.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting an environment where every individual feels respected and valued.
- Selected candidate must undergo pre-employment background checks, including criminal history checks; employment offers are contingent on the outcome.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising portfolio by identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, foundations and industry partners.
- Build strong, long-term relationships that align donor interests with College and Foundation priorities.
- Plan and execute friend-raising and fundraising events, including Ivy Tech Day, A Reason to Taste, the Chancellors’ Merit Scholarship luncheon and the faculty/staff giving campaign.
- Reimagine and host the Scholarship donor recognition event.
- Collaborate with the Director of Grant Development and Strategies to strategize on funding opportunities for priorities established by campus leadership, faculty and staff.
- Coordinate stewardship plans to strengthen donor engagement and retention.
- Maintain accurate donor records in the Foundation’s CRM system and ensure compliance with Foundation policies, IRS regulations and fundraising best practices.
- Participate in statewide Foundation initiatives and share best practices with peers across campuses.
- Perform other duties logically associated with the position as assigned.
Benefits
- Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account and employer contribution
- Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and orthodontia coverage
- Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
- Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, legal consultations and financial planning consultations
- Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
- 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
- Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- Fee remission for employees, spouses and dependent children
- Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs
- Paid professional development opportunities
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays and winter recess
- Flexible work arrangements where available
- Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
- Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Discounts on gym memberships, transportation and various retail services
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
