For more than 120 years, Herron School of Art + Design at Indiana University Indianapolis has helped shape the creative life of Indianapolis and Indiana. Today, Herron is much more than a traditional art school: more than 650 students learn across art, design, music technology, music therapy, art therapy and other disciplines, supported by 70+ studio spaces and more than 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. Students and faculty take that creativity beyond the classroom, collaborating with businesses, nonprofits, health-care organizations, schools, museums and community partners throughout Indianapolis. Herron is looking for a Director of Development who can help tell that broader story and invite donors to become part of what comes next. This is a rare opportunity to inherit meaningful relationships while also building the next chapter of philanthropy at one of Indiana’s most distinctive creative institutions.This role is for a fundraiser who sees possibility. You’ll have the opportunity to deepen relationships with longtime Herron supporters, discover untapped potential within the existing donor portfolio, and build new pipelines of supporters whose interests connect with the full breadth of Herron today—from studio art and design to music technology, music therapy and interdisciplinary, community-engaged work. You’ll lead major and principal gift strategy, manage the Development Coordinator role, shape donor cultivation and stewardship, partner with faculty and academic leaders, and work closely with the Dean’s Advisory Board while bringing fresh thinking to how Herron engages its philanthropic community.The person who thrives here will be equal parts relationship builder, strategist and builder of what’s next. You’ll enter at an important moment for Herron, one that calls for someone comfortable navigating change and ambiguity while providing consistency, earning trust and keeping an eye on the bigger opportunity ahead. You don’t need to be an artist, but you should be genuinely curious about the creative work happening at Herron and energized by learning enough to translate that work into compelling opportunities for donors. You’ll have room to assess what exists, ask new questions, experiment thoughtfully and build, all while partnering with leaders who want a development expert capable of setting strategy and turning it into results. If you’re excited by the idea of honoring relationships built over decades without being bound by the way things have always been done, this is an opportunity to help expand who sees themselves in Herron’s story, grow philanthropic investment and create opportunities that will shape the next generation of artists, designers, musicians and creative thinkers. Apply today.
