Senior / Executive Director of Development Operations | Iowa State University Foundation - Military Veterans

The director of development operations will work closely with the development leadership team to strategize and ensure that metrics, priorities, and goals are progressing. Focusing on both strategic and day-to-day priorities, this position will act as liaison for the chief development officer with both internal and external stakeholders. This position will be trusted with a wide range of matters of considerable foundation, university, and donor importance and will develop confidential recommendations that consider divergent demands and views.

Based on qualifications and experience, a selected candidate may hold one of these job titles: Senior Director of Development Operations or Executive Director of Development Operations

Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Act as project manager to ensure major initiatives remain on track and short- and long-term goals are achieved. Regularly monitor, direct, and report on results to ensure timely progress, transparency, and accountability.

Serve as a member of the development leadership team (DLT) and regularly collaborate and communicate with team members on operational-related topics/issues. Provide leadership for the DLT meeting in the absence of the chief development officer.

Draw on relationships with other development unit leads to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.

Work closely with the chief development officer and executive assistant to identify meetings to attend on behalf of the chief development officer. Synthesize notes and facilitate completion of action items.

Measure and report on key performance metrics of the development team. Lead the development of dashboards and reports, working closely with foundation colleagues.

Support the chief development officer in creating presentation materials and talking points for a variety of meetings and engagements. Maintain post-meeting debriefs and communicate action items to relevant stakeholders.

Manage the development team budget, ensuring accuracy and reporting regularly on status.

Education & Work Experience

Bachelors degree. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.

7+ years of professional experience related to employment area.

Experience in project management required.

Fundraising experience is strongly preferred.

Desired Skills & Experience

Strong interpersonal skills.

Exceptional project management and organizational skills.

Demonstrated written and oral communication and leadership skills, including influencing others and managing conflicts.

Ability to collect and analyze data and information, draw conclusions, and produce reports and recommendations.

Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of internal colleagues, university constituents, and donors.

Ability to work autonomously, requiring little guidance and direction.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Ascend on Salesforce preferred).

Confidentiality required.

Knowledge of university system and/or non-profits preferred.

Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State Universitys land grant ideals.

Travel: None

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid

For additional information, visit the following pages:

Iowa State University Foundation

Benefits Package Information

Iowa State University