Job Description

At a time when understanding the world and our place in it has never mattered more, Indiana University's Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies (HLS) is preparing the next generation of leaders to engage with the world's most consequential challenges.

Named for two of Indiana's most distinguished statesmen, Lee H. Hamilton and Richard G. Lugar, HLS carries forward a powerful legacy of diplomacy, principled leadership, and public service. The School brings together languages, regional studies, international affairs, and policy in a combination that is distinctive in higher education. Its global reach is equally remarkable: IU teaches approximately 68 languages and HLS connects students with opportunities to learn and engage around the world.

The Senior Director of Development will translate this extraordinary mission into philanthropic opportunity. Working closely with the Dean, school leadership, faculty, and colleagues across Indiana University, this leader will shape a comprehensive fundraising strategy and cultivate relationships with donors and partners in the U.S. and around the globe.

The possibilities for impact are significant. From expanding HLS's growing presence in Washington, D.C. and increasing access to internships, to supporting innovative programs in cybersecurity and policy, international law, and international financial governance, there is no shortage of opportunity. With four academic departments and nearly 20 centers and institutes, HLS offers a rich portfolio of ideas capable of inspiring transformational philanthropy.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, globally minded development leader who thrives on relationships, collaboration, and big ideas. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable partnering one-on-one with the Dean, engaging academic leaders, navigating cross-cultural and cross-border opportunities, and connecting donor passions with meaningful impact.

For a fundraiser inspired by international affairs, education, and public service, this is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of a school with a distinctive global mission and build the philanthropic partnerships that will extend the Hamilton Lugar legacy for generations to come.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Skills:

• Prior experience in a large, complex, matrixed environment, including evidence of effective strategic planning and implementation of action plans;

• Ability to handle multiple demands and/or manage complex and competing priorities;

• Experience related to all aspects of planning and successfully executing large fundraising campaigns including working with academic leaders and preparing transformative and complex gift proposals;

• Possess an ability to work comfortably within an academic environment with many competing interests, priorities, and opinions;

• Experience in global, intercultural and multi-lingual environments.

• Proven analytical skills - proficiency at framing and solving complex problems, proficiency in using large databases (e.g., standard fundraising data) to setting goals and identifying opportunities for improvement, particularly as it relates to gift officer performance;

• An understanding of the importance of, and demonstrated success in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion among staff and volunteers;

• Excellent knowledge of fundraising with a general knowledge of marketing, and communications, as well as demonstrated skills in major and planned gift solicitation and experience with major gift prospect management systems;

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering collaboration across advancement disciplines;

• Success developing authentic relationships with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders;

• Apply critical thinking to analyze and interpret information and/or data;

• Use discretion and maintain privacy, confidentiality or anonymity;

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite

• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills (able to tailor communications to multiple audiences such as the Dean, major donors, advisory board, and university leadership). Precision, timeliness, clarity, and accuracy in written communication are vital.

Education & Experience:

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is highly preferred.

• 7 years' experience in fundraising or relevant experience in complex organizations including proven success in major gift development work. Combinations of related education and experience may be considered.

• Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Additional Information

Applications are welcomed through October 7, 2026. Join us in turning bold ideas, global connections, and an extraordinary legacy into lasting impact.