Head of Fundraising

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) is one of the first public universities in Europe dedicated to digitalization and digital transformation. On the campus in Linz, the university offers students a project-based and inclusive approach to technical education and empowers its graduates to be the interdisciplinary, computationally empowered transformers of tomorrow.

As a young, fast-growing institution, IT:U is establishing its foundational fundraising and institutional advancement structures and is now seeking an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly driven Head of Fundraising who will have profound organizational impact.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Fundraising will design and launch the university’s inaugural fundraising strategy, and build the infrastructure required to secure individual, corporate, and foundation philanthropic support globally. This is a unique opportunity to build shape the philanthropic identity of a pioneering digital university from the ground up, establishing the systems, networks, and strategies that will ensure long-term institutional growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Infrastructure Building

1. Inaugural Strategy: Develop, implement, and scale IT:U’s first comprehensive fundraising and institutional advancement strategy to meet institutional financial goals.

1. Systems Establishment: Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of the university’s first Donor Management/CRM system to ensure data-driven operations.

1. Governance & Policy: Draft and implement foundational institutional policies, including gift acceptance, donor due diligence, ethical compliance, and naming rights frameworks.

1. Budget Ownership: Manage the operational budget for the fundraising and advancement function, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

1. Future Team Growth: Design the long-term organizational chart for the advancement department and build, recruit, and lead a high-performing team as the program expands.

Fundraising & Relationship Management

1. Presidential Partnership: Serve as the chief strategic advisor to the President and Managing Director on all philanthropic opportunities, preparing briefings and managing the President’s high-level donor portfolio.

1. Major Gifts & Partnerships: Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from domestic and international individual donors, corporations, and foundations.

1. Institutional Alignment: Collaborate closely with faculty, research leads, and university leadership to align academic priorities with compelling philanthropic proposals.

1. Global Ecosystem Engagement: Position IT:U’s unique digital-first narrative to secure corporate partnerships, research sponsorships, and foundational grants globally and regionally.

Pipeline & Engagement Development

1. Future-Proof Alumni Engagement and Advancement Strategy: Design and launch a foundational strategy for student engagement and future alumni community engagement, cultivating a culture of giving from day one.

1. Donor Stewardship: Create and execute a comprehensive donor recognition and stewardship program to ensure long-term donor retention and transparency.

1. Performance Tracking: Establish, monitor, and report on high-level fundraising key performance indicators (KPIs) and pipeline metrics directly to senior leadership.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

1. Proven Experience: Approximately 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a proven track record of securing major six- and seven-figure gifts, preferably within higher education, research institutions, or complex foundations.

1. Entrepreneurial Track Record: Demonstrated experience building or significantly scaling a fundraising program, department, or campaign from scratch, including the implementation of data systems (CRM) and policies.

1. Executive Presence: Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Managing Director, with the political acumen to navigate a public university ecosystem.

1. Ecosystem Mastery: Deep understanding of modern philanthropic trends, including corporate social responsibility (CSR), venture philanthropy, and international cross-border tax-deductibility frameworks.

1. Strategic Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex digital, technical, and interdisciplinary academic concepts into inspiring, visionary philanthropic narratives.

1. Language Skills: Professional fluency in written and spoken English (the official campus language). High proficiency in German is strongly preferred to successfully engage with local, regional, and national Austrian stakeholders and corporate partners.

1. Education: University degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or a related field; a certified fundraising qualification (e.g., CFRE) is a distinct advantage.

1. Operational Agility: Willingness to operate initially as a strategic solo operator while maintaining the leadership capabilities required to build and manage a team in the future.

1. Mobility: Flexibility to travel internationally and work across multiple time zones to engage with a global donor network.

Terms of Employment

The offer from IT:U is a full-time appointment as Head of Fundraising. The compensation includes a competitive salary and a bonus structure based on KPIs. Annual bonuses commensurate with experience. Competitive additional benefits include health care insurance; dual career support will be provided by IT:U as needed.

At IT:U, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to gender equality, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, we embrace individuals with diverse abilities and provide a supportive and accessible workplace for people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Appointment Process and How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a comprehensive cover letter. The deadline for applications is 20. September 2026.

The appointment of the Head of Fundraising will be guided by a selection panel. Perrett Laver will support the selection panel in the discharge of its duties, both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role and to identify the widest possible field of qualified individuals.

The selection panel will convene to decide upon the field of shortlisted candidates in November. These individuals will be invited to meet with senior stakeholders at the University in person. Upon decision by the University organs, as outlined in the University bylaws, the first ranked candidate will be invited to discuss the details of appointment in December.

As IT:U seeks to further increase the percentage of women in its leadership positions, female candidates with equal qualification for the position and in the absence of any other outweighing factors, will be preferred. Should you require access to this document in an alternative format, please contact Erik Hafner Erik.Hafner@perrettlaver.com

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