Executive Director of Grants and Development

The Executive Director of Development and Grants provides leadership to advance Ivy Tech Foundation’s philanthropic goals through cultivation and stewardship of donors and the development of competitive grant proposals. This role is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of donors, corporations, and foundations; leading grant acquisition efforts; and collaborating to align funding opportunities with institutional priorities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grant Development & Management

• Identify corporate and foundation grant opportunities that align with Ivy Tech’s priorities.
• Lead the preparation, writing, and submission of competitive grant proposals.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to develop strong grant applications.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting, and stewardship obligations.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Manage a portfolio of donors contributing under $100,000 annually with a focus on cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Assist with the development of annual giving strategies to increase donor participation and retention.
• Conduct outreach and maintain relationships with donors to strengthen engagement and philanthropic support.
• Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Foundation, which could include speaking at events, greeting guests, interacting with donors at dinners and receptions, providing campus tours to top donors, or being featured in various publications or marketing pieces.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with College Sponsored Programs Office to ensure grant submissions are aligned College policies.
• Monitor overall grant program activities, progression, and implementation including timeline management, fund reports, and reporting requirements.

Administrative & Data Management Support

• Ensure the integrity of donor and alumni data in the CRM (Ivy Connect Foundation)
• Enter contact reports, proposals, donor contributions, and related information in ICF
• Generate donor and stewardship reports for internal and external use.

Events / Marketing & Student/Alumni Engagement

• Develop event communications plans in collaboration with campus marketing and ensure execution of plans.
• Coordinate alumni fundraising and communications efforts, including oversight of the Student Alumni Council in partnership with development leadership, including Ivy Tech Day.
• Assist with marketing and communication strategies for development initiatives.
• Work with community partners to form mutually beneficial strategic alliances that support the mission of the college and the alumni association.

This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in development, fundraising, nonprofit leadership or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of fundraising databases (e.g., Salesforce or similar CRM) preferred.
• Ability to think strategically and translate vision into action.
• Responsible management of confidential information and cash transactions.
• Relationship-building and interpersonal effectiveness
• Persuasive communication and presentation skills
• Collaborative leadership and team management
• High ethical standards and commitment to Ivy Tech’s mission
• Must be able to build consensus among diverse campus groups and influence without direct authority for the overall success of the organization.
• Must demonstrate ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students and employees and which every individual feels respected and valued.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.