Donor Activation Strategist

Posted on 09/22/2025

Indiana University Foundation

Bloomington, IN

Are you a high-performer who wants to contribute to a mission-driven and values-based organization? If you are motivated by doing impactful work and making a difference in people’s lives, then the Indiana University Foundation (IUF) is the place for you. At the IUF, we believe in making the dream of higher education attainable, providing support for life-changing research, and preparing the next generation of leaders.    

As a trailblazer among our peers, we provide fundraising leadership and endowment stewardship to support needs and initiatives across all of Indiana University’s campuses. As part of our team, you will help make IU donor’s dreams last forever.   

At the IUF we work hard, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contributions matter. We are nimble and innovative, and we want you to bring your ideas and energy to join forces with some of the best talent in our industry.  

In addition to being part of a meaningful mission as an IUF employee, you’ll find there are many ways to connect and collaborate. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives ensure that our colleagues are celebrated for who they are and have a voice. Our FUNdation (see what we did there?) committee helps us connect and unwind with food truck lunches, holiday gatherings, costume contests, free snacks, IU spirit-wear Fridays, and spontaneous gestures that surprise and delight. Our Wellness Committee ensures that the health and well-being of our employees is top of mind, offering yoga, a lunchtime walking group, meditation breaks, the Headspace app, and topical workshops. We encourage community leadership and service and make space for our staff to pursue their passions. Our total rewards philosophy ensures that we support employees financially, emotionally, and in their career growth.   

If the IUF sounds like a fit for you, we invite you to join us today.

Job Description

The Indiana University Foundation is launching an exciting new initiative and seeks a bold, entrepreneurial leader to serve as Donor Acquisition Strategist. This is a brand-new role designed to shape and drive the university’s Pathway to Impact program—a forward-looking effort to engage more alumni and convert high-potential prospects into first-time donors. Reporting to the AVP of Annual Giving and Market Segmentation, this individual will have the exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up, charting the course for an even more robust philanthropic pipeline for Indiana University.

As the architect of this initiative, the Donor Acquisition Strategist will design and execute innovative, data-informed campaigns that connect alumni and friends to meaningful causes such as scholarships, medical research, and first-generation student success. Success in this role will require a passion for data and metrics—leveraging segmentation, behavioral modeling, and performance dashboards to target the right prospects. The ideal candidate thrives on experimentation, adapts quickly to insights, and embraces the challenge of building scalable solutions that deepen donor engagement.

This role involves both design and execution, requiring cross-functional collaboration with colleagues across the IU Foundation. The strategist will play a critical role in shaping donor journeys, developing tailored messaging, and ensuring alignment with IU’s broader fundraising goals.

If you are a data-driven, entrepreneurial professional who is eager to launch a successful new initiative with measurable goals and deliverables, apply today. We’d love to have you join us.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; fields such as marketing, business, or entrepreneurship are preferred.
  • 5 to 7 years of progressive work experience in donor acquisition, marketing, or segmentation—preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors is required.
  • Proven ability to lead segmented campaigns and drive audience engagement.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and partnership skills; able to influence without direct authority.
  • Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud), segmentation tools, and digital campaign systems.
  • A mindset for innovation—comfortable with change, experimentation, and proactive problem-solving.
  • Strategic thinking in a data-rich, mission-driven environment.
  • Experience leading a team is preferred.

Additional Information

A cover letter is encouraged as part of your application. This position is based out of our Bloomington, Indiana office and is a hybrid role, with 3+ days per week onsite. The compensation range for this position is $90,000- $100,000 annually.

Applications will be accepted through October 19th, 2025.

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 immutable characteristics including any basis prohibited by law.

To apply for this job please visit www.smartrecruiters.com.