Acknolwedgement Specialist

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 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. 

This position is eligible for a flexible hybrid schedule based in Bloomington, Indiana.

The salary range for this position is $54,000-$59,000.

The IU Foundation seeks a proactive and highly skilled writer to serve as an Acknowledgement Specialist on the Donor Relations and Stewardship team!

Reporting to the Manager, Acknowledgements and Fund Reporting, the Acknowledgement Specialist plays a central role in executing executive-level correspondence on behalf of both Indiana University and the IU Foundation. This position focuses on creating impactful and personalized donor acknowledgments—thank you letters, congratulatory notes, and other important communications that celebrate and strengthen IU’s most meaningful philanthropic relationships.

You will work closely with development officers, unit partners, and leaders across the university and foundation to research donor backgrounds, gather information, and compose thoughtful messages of appreciation. This includes acknowledgments for transformational gifts, VIP constituents, board members, and other key audiences. The ability to write in multiple voices, manage multiple drafts and timelines, and synthesize a variety of inputs into clear, accurate communication is essential. If you’re a detail-oriented, self-directed professional who enjoys writing, project management, and working behind the scenes to elevate donor experiences, we invite you to help us honor the generosity that powers IU’s future. Apply today!

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of audience-focused professional writing such as fundraising, journalism, marketing, or speechwriting.
  • Experience in donor relations, stewardship, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems, OnBase, Tableau, or Jira is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent writing and editing skills; ability to write clearly, concisely, and in the voices of IU and IUF Presidents.
• Strong research abilities; comfortable navigating donor databases and interpreting gift and grant data.
• High attention to detail and accuracy; strong proofing and review skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to collaborate with colleagues and leaders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Tenacity and follow-through; skilled at tracking complex correspondence through multiple review stages.
• Strong judgment and sensitivity in handling confidential donor and gift information.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, diplomacy, and thoughtful communication
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and standard communication tools.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. 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.