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Associate Director of Development, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Arizona State University Foundation For A New American University

Tempe, AZ · Posted June 25, 2026

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About the job

Associate Director of Development, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

The ASU Foundation (ASUF) fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. ​​

Built on a dynamic combination of disciplines unlike any other design and arts school in the nation, the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts connects, fuses and merges fields. The Herberger Institute comprises ASU Art Museum, ASU FIDM, The ASU FIDM Museum, The Design School, The GAME School, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, The School of Art and The School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

The principal activity of the Associate Director of Development is to be externally focused, with responsibility for engaging a portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations that have a potential affinity with ASU and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (internally referred to as HIDA). The Associate Director’s effectiveness will be evaluated on the ability to achieve financial goals and contact metrics consistent with the programs and prospects assigned.

** In addition to your resume, we ask that you include a cover letter with your application.**

What you'll do:

Develops and executes strategic fundraising and engagement efforts on behalf of Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School and the Media and Immersive Experience (MIX) Center by designing, implementing, evaluating, and refining development activities to drive donor retention, reactivation, acquisition, and pipeline growth

In support of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, actively engages donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students to proactively build and manage a personal major gift/prospect portfolio with a focus on securing gifts at or above the $50,000 level in accordance with performance metrics

Collaborates with development team, unit leaders and academic leaders to assist and direct the implementation and coordination of special fundraising and engagement opportunities by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting annual, major, and planned gifts in cooperation with the objectives and strategies of ASUF and the University Development Office

Guided by the direction and scope of a prospect’s interest, collaborates with various faculty, institute/center directors, and unit-based and foundation-based fundraisers to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospect

Develops and submits written proposals, budgets, and other collateral materials as needed for securing significant philanthropic investments

In support of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, collaborates with and coordinates the efforts of various ASU offices and functions to advance prospect and donor strategies (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research and prospect management)

Proactively manages a personal major gift/prospect portfolio, develops and executes strategic prospect strategies leading to solicitation and investment based on the opportunities of each special assignment

Staffs HIDA Leadership at ASUF and ASU events, concerts, and programs and engages with donors and prospects

Uses the ASUF prospect management and tracking system (i.e., Salesforce) to record and coordinate contacts, strategies and proposals

Assumes responsibility for core fundraising success metrics including face-to-face visits with prospects, identification and qualification of new prospects, growth in cumulative giving from the prospect portfolio, major gift proposals submitted, dollars raised

Ensures proper stewardship and recognition of donors in portfolio

Participates collaboratively as a member of the ASUF development team and serve as a resource to development colleagues regarding fundraising opportunities

Develops and sustains strong working relationships with deans, chairs, directors, and faculty members of HIDA

Identifies projects and initiatives and develops and implements strategic fundraising efforts and campaigns in close collaboration with HIDA Leadership, Faculty, and stakeholders

Serve as mentor, teacher and role-model to HIDA team members, student employees and junior team members, even in the absence of a direct-reporting relationship

What you'll need:

Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles

Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives

Database management skills

Ability to lead a team and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments

Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others

Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment

Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community

Knowledge of fundraising techniques including proposal development, prospect identification, program planning, fund solicitation, database management, donor tracking, and social networking and marketing tools

Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups

Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information

Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds

Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems

Relevant qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or currently enrolled in bachelor's degree program

​Four (4) to six (6) years of years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience

​Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources

​Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives​

Preferred education and experience : ​ ​

Advanced degree

​Four (4) to six (6) years of years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience preferably in higher education or the Arts

Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic investments and strategic partnerships within one or more of the following industries: film, television, streaming, and digital media, entertainment and media technology, mixed reality (XR), immersive media and experiential design

​Experience working in Salesforce and Workday

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching employer contribution

22 days of vacation time

11 holidays, including your birthday

Parental leave

Significant tuition reductions

Professional development is highly valued at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest

$30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation we value

Character We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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