Executive Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Iowa State University Foundation

Hybrid Ames, Iowa

Iowa State University is a world-class land-grant institution recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and student success. At the heart of that mission, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) serves as the intellectual center of the University, preparing students to think critically, solve complex problems, and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Central to Iowa State University’s mission, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) is a collaborative and innovative academic community with over 50 majors spanning the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. LAS is home to nearly a quarter of the university’s students and offers transformative research and educational opportunities.

These ambitions are advanced through the Iowa State University Foundation, whose mission is to connect donors’ passions with the University’s evolving priorities. Since receiving its first gift in 1899, the Foundation has helped shape Iowa State through scholarship support, faculty excellence, groundbreaking research, and transformative campus initiatives..

Together, Iowa State University and its Foundation create a dynamic ecosystem where education, research, and community engagement converge to shape the future through philanthropy.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences joins Iowa State University Foundation during an exciting period of leadership, vision, and philanthropic opportunity.

As the intellectual heart of Iowa State University, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences serves nearly every student while advancing discovery across the humanities, communications, mathematics, the physical and life sciences, and the social sciences. With a new dean, an ambitious academic vision, and a broad portfolio of philanthropic priorities, the College is positioned to elevate fundraising and deepen its impact across the University.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, this leader will partner closely with Dean Benjamin Withers and College leadership to shape the next chapter of philanthropic success. The Executive Director will serve as a trusted strategic advisor, lead and develop a talented fundraising team, expand major and principal gift activity, and strengthen meaningful engagement with alumni and donors.

This is an opportunity to build upon a strong philanthropic foundation while advancing the transformative impact of a liberal arts and sciences education. The successful candidate will partner with College leadership to elevate philanthropic support, strengthen donor engagement, and expand major and principal gift activity across a broad portfolio of academic priorities.