Executive Director Of Development Jobs
Executive Director Of Development jobs are open across nonprofits, higher education, healthcare systems, and arts organizations, from associate director to senior executive level, with specializations in major gifts, capital campaigns, and planned giving. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Company Description
The Indiana University Foundation (IUF) advances the mission of Indiana University by inspiring philanthropy that fuels student success, pioneering research, and transformational impact across Indiana and beyond.
At IUF, we connect donors to the causes they care about most—turning passion into purpose and generosity into lasting impact. Our team values collaboration, innovation, data informed strategy, and meaningful relationships, all within a culture that supports professional growth and mission‑driven work.
Job Description
The Indiana University Foundation is seeking an accomplished fundraising leader to serve as the next Executive Director of Development for the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD)—one of the nation's oldest and most respected dental schools and the only dental school in Indiana. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of oral health education, research, patient care, and community impact while helping advance Indiana University's ambitious Never Daunted Campaign, a university-wide movement focused on expanding student success, accelerating discovery and innovation, and strengthening communities.
The Executive Director will serve as the school's chief fundraising strategist and philanthropic partner, leading a comprehensive advancement program that inspires transformational giving and deepens engagement among alumni, grateful patients, corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
The Indiana University School of Dentistry combines a rich legacy of innovation with extraordinary momentum for the future. As the institution where researchers helped develop the stannous fluoride formula that became Crest toothpaste, the School has long been a leader in advancing oral health. Today, approximately 75% of Indiana's practicing dentists are IU alumni, creating an exceptionally strong and engaged professional network. The School is also experiencing significant research growth, recently achieving its highest NIH funding ranking in more than 20 years and rising into the top third of U.S. dental schools. Coupled with the momentum of Indiana University's ambitious Never Daunted Campaign, this creates an unparalleled opportunity to secure transformative philanthropic investments that will shape the future of education, research, healthcare, and community impact.
The successful candidate will bring:
Proven Fundraising Excellence
- Demonstrated success personally raising and consistently exceeding annual fundraising goals of $3 million or more, including securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Experience leading complex fundraising initiatives and campaign efforts within higher education, healthcare, academic medicine, or similarly sophisticated nonprofit environments.
- A track record of building and stewarding relationships that lead to transformational philanthropic investments.
Strategic Leadership
- Experience leading advancement teams and partnering with senior executives, deans, volunteer leaders, and influential donors.
- Ability to navigate complex organizations, align diverse stakeholders, and execute high-level fundraising strategies.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing opportunities and maximize fundraising performance.
Exceptional Relationship Building
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to inspire confidence, build trust, and serve as a compelling ambassador for the School and Indiana University.
- Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and mission-driven leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with significant success in major gift development.
- Leadership and staff management experience strongly preferred.
Additional Information
Join a University That Is Never Daunted
The future of healthcare, research, and education is being shaped right now at Indiana University. Through the Never Daunted Campaign, IU is mobilizing alumni, donors, and partners to accelerate opportunity, innovation, and impact on a historic scale.
For a fundraising leader who wants to build meaningful relationships, secure transformative gifts, and leave a lasting legacy, this is more than a career opportunity—it is a chance to help define what's next for one of America's most influential dental schools.
If you have a history of exceeding ambitious fundraising goals, securing major philanthropic investments, and inspiring others around a bold vision, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of oral health through philanthropy.
The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This position will be available for applications through July 5th, 2026.
The IUF is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional work environment that is free of Discrimination and Harassment. The IUF will not tolerate any form of Discrimination or Harassment based on the Individual’s race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Company Description
The Indiana University Foundation (IUF) advances the mission of Indiana University by inspiring philanthropy that fuels student success, pioneering research, and transformational impact across Indiana and beyond.
At IUF, we connect donors to the causes they care about most—turning passion into purpose and generosity into lasting impact. Our team values collaboration, innovation, data informed strategy, and meaningful relationships, all within a culture that supports professional growth and mission‑driven work.
Job Description
The Indiana University Foundation is seeking an accomplished fundraising leader to serve as the next Executive Director of Development for the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD)—one of the nation's oldest and most respected dental schools and the only dental school in Indiana. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of oral health education, research, patient care, and community impact while helping advance Indiana University's ambitious Never Daunted Campaign, a university-wide movement focused on expanding student success, accelerating discovery and innovation, and strengthening communities.
The Executive Director will serve as the school's chief fundraising strategist and philanthropic partner, leading a comprehensive advancement program that inspires transformational giving and deepens engagement among alumni, grateful patients, corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
The Indiana University School of Dentistry combines a rich legacy of innovation with extraordinary momentum for the future. As the institution where researchers helped develop the stannous fluoride formula that became Crest toothpaste, the School has long been a leader in advancing oral health. Today, approximately 75% of Indiana's practicing dentists are IU alumni, creating an exceptionally strong and engaged professional network. The School is also experiencing significant research growth, recently achieving its highest NIH funding ranking in more than 20 years and rising into the top third of U.S. dental schools. Coupled with the momentum of Indiana University's ambitious Never Daunted Campaign, this creates an unparalleled opportunity to secure transformative philanthropic investments that will shape the future of education, research, healthcare, and community impact.
The successful candidate will bring:
Proven Fundraising Excellence
- Demonstrated success personally raising and consistently exceeding annual fundraising goals of $3 million or more, including securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Experience leading complex fundraising initiatives and campaign efforts within higher education, healthcare, academic medicine, or similarly sophisticated nonprofit environments.
- A track record of building and stewarding relationships that lead to transformational philanthropic investments.
Strategic Leadership
- Experience leading advancement teams and partnering with senior executives, deans, volunteer leaders, and influential donors.
- Ability to navigate complex organizations, align diverse stakeholders, and execute high-level fundraising strategies.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing opportunities and maximize fundraising performance.
Exceptional Relationship Building
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to inspire confidence, build trust, and serve as a compelling ambassador for the School and Indiana University.
- Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and mission-driven leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with significant success in major gift development.
- Leadership and staff management experience strongly preferred.
Additional Information
Join a University That Is Never Daunted
The future of healthcare, research, and education is being shaped right now at Indiana University. Through the Never Daunted Campaign, IU is mobilizing alumni, donors, and partners to accelerate opportunity, innovation, and impact on a historic scale.
For a fundraising leader who wants to build meaningful relationships, secure transformative gifts, and leave a lasting legacy, this is more than a career opportunity—it is a chance to help define what's next for one of America's most influential dental schools.
If you have a history of exceeding ambitious fundraising goals, securing major philanthropic investments, and inspiring others around a bold vision, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of oral health through philanthropy.
The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This position will be available for applications through July 5th, 2026.
The IUF is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional work environment that is free of Discrimination and Harassment. The IUF will not tolerate any form of Discrimination or Harassment based on the Individual’s race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by law.
See All 131+ Executive Director Of Development Jobs
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Find JobsExecutive Director Of Development Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Howard University4
- Sage Hospitality4
- Citi3
- Ivyrehab Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology, Pllc3
- State of Washington3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education55
- Healthcare & Medical Services20
- Technology & Software19
- Banking & Financial Services12
- Investment & Asset Management6
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in executive director of development jobs.
- Proven experience closing major gifts and managing a fundraising portfolio
- Bachelor's degree in a related field, with CFRE certification preferred by many employers
- Experience building and managing development teams and departmental budgets
- Proficiency with donor management software such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce Nonprofit
- Demonstrated success leading capital campaigns or multi-year fundraising initiatives
- Strong board relations and executive-level stakeholder communication skills
Tips for Your Executive Director Of Development Job Search
Quantify fundraising results on your resume
List the dollar totals you personally closed, not just managed, and name the campaign type. Hiring committees for executive director of development roles distinguish between portfolio size and revenue you directly generated, so vague attribution will cost you interviews.
Tailor your materials to the mission
Boards reviewing executive director of development candidates read cover letters for authentic alignment with the cause. Mirror the organization's language around impact, constituent relationships, and strategic priorities rather than defaulting to generic fundraising vocabulary.
Target organizations at the right growth stage
A nonprofit rebuilding its development department after staff turnover needs different leadership than one launching a capital campaign. Filter openings by the organization's recent fundraising history and strategic plan so your experience matches what the role actually demands.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists executive director of development openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a board relations narrative for interviews
Search committees for executive director of development positions almost always include board members who want to know how you work with governance volunteers. Come ready with a specific example of cultivating a major donor alongside a board member and how you divided the relationship.
Negotiate scope before title or compensation
Clarify staffing levels, budget authority, and reporting structure before accepting any offer. Executive director of development roles vary widely in real autonomy, and a strong title with a lean team can limit what you accomplish and what you can claim on your next application.
Executive Director Of Development Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most executive director of developments?
The companies hiring the most executive director of developments right now include Howard University, Sage Hospitality, and Citi, with the largest share of openings in New York, California, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Nonprofit health systems, universities, and regional arts organizations consistently account for a large portion of active postings.
How many executive director of development jobs are remote?
About 27% of executive director of development openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, though in-person presence remains the norm at many organizations. Roles focused on planned giving and individual donor stewardship are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, since the work centers on relationship management rather than on-site program oversight.
How do you become an executive director of development?
Most people reach this role by building a progression from development associate or officer to director, accumulating direct major gift experience along the way. Earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential strengthens your candidacy. Volunteering for campaign leadership within your current organization, taking on board liaison responsibilities, and managing at least one direct report all signal readiness for the executive level.
Can you get hired as an executive director of development with little experience?
Breaking in at the executive director level with limited experience is difficult, but smaller organizations with budgets under a few million dollars do sometimes hire candidates who have strong relationship skills and mission alignment over deep fundraising credentials. Demonstrating that you've closed gifts personally, even at a modest level, and showing clear management potential through volunteer or committee leadership can offset a shorter resume.
What does the executive director of development interview process look like?
The process typically runs three to four rounds. An initial screening with HR or a search consultant is followed by a panel interview with the development team, then a separate conversation with senior leadership or the CEO. Finalists usually meet with board members and may be asked to present a fundraising strategy or a first-year plan. Reference checks are thorough and often include conversations with former donors or board volunteers.
Where can I find and apply to executive director of development jobs?
You can find and apply to executive director of development jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing.
See All 131+ Executive Director Of Development Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any executive director of development role that fits.
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