Executive Director of Development, Indiana University School of Dentistry

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.