Job Description

Are you a high-performer who wants to contribute to a mission-driven and values-based organization? If you are motivated by doing impactful work and making a difference in people’s lives, then the Indiana University Foundation (IUF) is the place for you. At the IUF, we believe in making the dream of higher education attainable, providing support for life-changing research, and preparing the next generation of leaders.  

As a trailblazer among our peers, we provide fundraising leadership and endowment stewardship to support needs and initiatives across all of Indiana University’s campuses. As part of our team, you will help make IU donors' dreams last forever.

At the IUF we work hard, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contributions matter. We are nimble and innovative, and we want you to bring your ideas and energy to join forces with some of the best talent in our industry. 

In addition to being part of a meaningful mission as an IUF employee, you’ll find that there are many ways to connect and collaborate.  Our FUNdation (see what we did there?) Committee helps us connect and unwind with food truck lunches, holiday gatherings, costume contests, free snacks, IU spirit-wear Fridays, and spontaneous gestures that surprise and delight. Our Wellness Committee ensures that the health and well-being of our employees is top of mind through outstanding benefits, mental health offerings, and activities. We encourage community leadership and service and make space for our staff to pursue their passions. Our total rewards philosophy ensures that we support employees financially, emotionally, and in their career growth.  

If the IUF sounds like a fit for you, we invite you to join us today. 

Job Description

This position offers a work-from-home schedule after an in-person onboarding, with periodic on-site team meetings and all-staff events. Candidate must reside in the state of Indiana or be willing to relocate by first day of employment.

The salary range for this role is $48,000-$50,000.

The Indiana University Foundation is seeking a Research Associate to support the Prospect Management and Research team by tracking the accomplishments and life events of alumni and donors, as well as assessing their interest and ability to provide support to Indiana University. The Research Associate will provide timely insights that help fundraisers engage donors more effectively and meaningfully. Reporting to the Associate Director, Research, this position focuses on identifying, interpreting, and communicating relevant information to meet the fundraiser's needs. 

In this role, you will regularly monitor established news and research sources to identify achievements, leadership changes, business activity, and life events connected to IU alumni, donors, and affiliated organizations. You will analyze and summarize findings using professional writing skills, and share insights through email alerts, prospect summaries, and database updates that directly inform relationship-building and outreach strategies. Your work ensures fundraisers have the right information at the right time to support meaningful donor conversations. 

This role requires collaboration with fundraisers, prospect managers, and colleagues across the advancement services team to understand priorities, clarify requests, and deliver accurate, well-organized information. While much of the work involves focused, independent research, the position is collaborative and service-oriented, centered on responding to fundraiser needs and contributing to shared fundraising goals. The ideal candidate is a curious, detail-oriented, and self-motivated professional who enjoys reading and interpreting information, writing clear summaries, and supporting Indiana University’s mission through thoughtful communication and attention to detail. 

Qualifications

Education & Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of equivalent work experience preferred. 

• Combinations of education and experience will be considered. 

• Experience in advancement services, research, data management, communications, or a related field preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Strong professional writing skills, with the ability to clearly summarize and communicate insights for fundraiser use. 

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a busy professional environment. 

• High attention to detail and demonstrated accuracy in documentation and data entry. 

• Proficiency with CRM, internet research tools, and web-based platforms; experience with Artificial Intelligence tools is a plus. 

• Technical aptitude and comfort learning new systems; additional technical skills are welcomed and supported through team collaboration. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment when working with colleagues, fundraisers, leadership, and external stakeholders. 

• Understanding of general fundraising and prospect management principles. 

• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical information use, and continuous improvement. 

• Genuine interest in supporting Indiana University’s mission and contributing to philanthropic success. 

Additional Information

Applications will be accepted through January 28th, 2026. A cover letter is strongly recommended for consideration.

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.

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