Job Description

The ISU Foundation serves as the fundraising and advancement partner of Idaho State University, securing and stewarding private support that strengthens the University’s mission and impact. The Foundation is committed to fostering a culture defined by empowerment, appreciation, engagement, and accountability—cornerstones that guide how we work, collaborate, and celebrate success. Our team values trust and shared purpose as we build a strategic and sustainable advancement organization. Together, we cultivate relationships that connect donors, alumni, and partners to the transformative work taking place across the University. Idaho State University and the ISU Foundation are actively preparing to launch a historic and ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Idaho State University invites applications for an experienced, dynamic Director of Development to pursue philanthropic support from individuals and organizations for the College of Business. The College of Business offers a range of programs, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The director of development will manage and lead the college’s development efforts, including the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects. Major gift development is the primary focus of the position. The position reports to the Associate Vice President of Development in University Advancement with a dotted line to the Dean of the College of Business. This position will partner with colleagues and peers across campus while building strong alumni and donor relationships. Significant personalized interaction with alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations is required. The successful candidate will have a distinguished record of personal engagement, relationship building, and demonstrated success in cultivating major/principal gifts and/or campaigns. This position requires a travel time commitment of approximately 50%. The successful candidates will serve as a front line fundraiser who actively seeks gift support for Idaho State University and its programs.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are inspired by the opportunity to help shape the future of Idaho State University by cultivating and stewarding donor-centric philanthropic relationships, we encourage you to apply and join our Advancement and Foundation team.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Key Responsibilities

● Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects to support College of Business priorities. (Defined at ISU as $25,000 or more)
● Work closely with the College of Business leadership to support top priorities and coach internal partners on fundraising strategies.
● Develops and maintains a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects.
● Assists with comprehensive campaigns of the Idaho State University Foundation
● Partner with directors of development, dean, and campus leadership to identify prospects and secure gifts to support key priorities within their college/unit.
● Drives and manages major gift development activities of the Dean and other leaders in the College/unit.
● Participate fully in the university’s comprehensive advancement program, including its prospect management process and systems.
● Document accurate and complete records of the moves management process and follow prescribed strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding of major gifts.
● Works within a system of metrics, including benchmarks for personal visits, major gift solicitations, and a prescribed number of new prospects identified annually.
● Work to achieve an annual fundraising goal set by the Vice President for University Advancement and the Dean of the assigned College/unit.
● Perform other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline and at least three (3) years of fundraising or related experience.
● Working knowledge of computer programs and a donor database.
● Established record of closing major gifts or revenue metrics that support organizational priorities
● Demonstrated effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills and excellent written and oral communication skills.
● Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to work under pressure, while managing multiple projects at once.

Preferred Qualifications

● Advanced degree in a relevant field with five (5) years successful experience in major gift development and donor relations, with higher education fundraising experience.
● Experience in higher education or non profit setting
● Proven ability to engage, motivate, and work with donor prospects, volunteers, or similar constituencies.

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before December 14, 2025. Salary will be between $75,000 and $85,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.