Director of Development and Community Engagement

  • East Chicago
  • Full time
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The Director of Development and Community Engagement is responsible for advancing the mission of Ivy Tech Community College at its Lake County campus through strategic fundraising, relationship management, and donor stewardship. Reporting to the Executive Director of Resource Development, this role supports efforts to secure philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund scholarships, programs, capital priorities, and strategic initiatives.

Location: This is an in-person opportunity and remote work is not available. The position is primarily located in East Chicago.

Pay Range: $65,000 - 75,000 per year

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Leadership:
Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies with the Executive Director of Resource Development to meet annual and campaign goals, focusing on major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, and annual fund contributions.

Donor Relationship Management:
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, including Grantmakers.  Build strong, long-term relationships that align donor interests with College and Foundation priorities.

Collaboration and Partnership:
Work closely with campus leadership, faculty, and staff to identify funding priorities and craft compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Stewardship and Reporting:
Ensure donors receive timely updates, reports, and recognition for their contributions. Coordinate stewardship plans to strengthen donor engagement and retention.

Event and Campaign Support:
Support the planning and execution of fundraising events, donor recognition gatherings, and special campaigns, including Ivy Tech Day, the Annual Spring Event and the Annual Chancellors’ Scholarship event.

Data and Compliance:
Maintain accurate donor records in the Foundation’s CRM system and ensure compliance with Foundation policies, IRS regulations, and best practices in fundraising.

Team Engagement:
Participate actively in statewide Foundation initiatives and share best practices with peers across campuses to enhance overall fundraising effectiveness.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree required.

  • A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in fund development, grant writing, and/or fundraising event planning.

  • Proven experience in cultivating and managing relationships with executive leaders, donors, and community partners.

  • Proven experience in successful grant writing.

  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.

  • Excellent writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for detail.

  • Proficiency with donor management software is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated.

  • This is an in-office position; remote work is not available. The primary work location will be the East Chicago location of Ivy Tech Lake County.

  • Ability to travel as needed, including evening and weekend work, throughout the Lake County service area. Occasional travel to Indianapolis, other campuses around the state of Indiana, and locations in Cook County, Illinois may be required.

  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting an environment where every individual feels respected and valued.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with donor management software.

  • Experience with donor cultivation and community partnership

Selected candidate for employment will be subject to pre-employment background checks, including criminal history check, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon that outcome.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

Job ID: JR0000107145