Project Development Officer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Full Consideration Date: 09/07/2026 Job Description:

A defined career path exists. Based on experience, the successful candidate will be hired into one of four levels of professional opportunity: Assistant Director, Associate Director, Director, or Senior Director of Development and will have the opportunity to progress through the career path by achieving defined performance objectives once employed.

Duties listed are for the Assistant Director position. Additional duties required for Associate Director of Development, Director of Development, and Senior Director of Development positions.

Primary Function: Plans, directs and implements annually identified activities relevant to fundraising priorities and needs for the College of Education and University Advancement; coordinates external relations, donor programs and events that support the fundraising work plan; develops and implements current and new fundraising, recognition and stewardship programs as appropriate; makes individual contacts with alumni and friends to solicit funding support for college and university priorities; networks with department heads, faculty, and staff to facilitate resource development initiatives; and represents the college and UNI Foundation in a wide range of professional settings and to a wide range of constituents.

• Bachelor's degree and experience (minimum years listed below) in fundraising or non-profit development working directly with donors, functioning as a key member of a fundraising/sales team, and/or similar significant direct client contact experience in sales/or marketing:


• Assistant Director: 1+ year


• Associate Director: 2+ years


• Director: 3+ years


• Senior Director: 6+ years


• Frequent overnight travel will be necessary.

• Non-profit development experience


• excellent oral and written communication skills


• demonstrated commitment to educational excellence


• creativity, self-motivation and the ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with alumni, friends, and businesses


• For Senior Director position, additional experience in project management, implementing donor related events, developing inter-departmental and/or intra-university unit collaborations and partnerships, and executing campaign management and organizational planning duties is preferred.

• Job Category: Professional & Scientific


• Type of Position: Regular Service


• Schedule: 12-Month

Compensation: The pay grade and salary will be determined by the position level into which the individual is hired. Below are the pay grades and starting salary range for each level:

• Assistant Director; pay grade 119; $51,350 to Commensurate


• Associate Director; pay grade 120; $60,336 to Commensurate


• Director; pay grade 121; $70,894 to Commensurate


• Senior Director; pay grade 122: $83,302 to Commensurate

Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

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The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. The university's attractive size, approximately 9,200 students, allows UNI to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI has been consistently recognized as one of the \"Best Midwest Universities\" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres. Designated as a Best Place for Working Parents, UNI supports all individuals through family-friendly policies, practices and benefits. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package, enabling us to be highly competitive within the Cedar Valley and across the state.