Champions of Philanthropy: Higher Ed Careers That Power Hawkeye Progress

Joe Conklin dreamed of becoming a fireman. Nicole Evans aspired to be an educator.

While those childhood dreams changed, they are now charting their own paths in fundraising and higher ed careers at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. Each helps raise philanthropic funds for various areas on campus—from athletics to health care and beyond.

It's a growing field, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fundraising jobs will grow nearly 6 percent over the next decade. At the University of Iowa, jobs in fundraising continue to expand to help meet the needs of the Hawkeye state and to support students, faculty, and staff.

“We love helping people realize what they can do with giving and making meaningful connections,” says Evans. “It’s rewarding. I love hearing stories from patients and families—and working with them to find something they’re passionate about supporting.”

Learn more about higher ed careers in nonprofit fundraising and hear from two of Iowa’s development officers—individuals who have taken vastly different paths to their current roles.

Iowa classes, Dance Marathon lead to interest in fundraising jobs

Nicole Evans (13BA) always saw herself leading a classroom. It all started when she was a kid growing up outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“My sister and I always played school in our basement,” says Evans. “I was always the teacher, and that just felt like a natural path for me. But, as it turned out, my sister is now the teacher.”

Nicole Evans

Evans’ time as a University of Iowa student—from pursuing the nonprofit leadership and philanthropy certificate to working as a student worker with the university alumni association—changed her trajectory.

“Those experiences really opened my eyes to nonprofit fundraising,” says Evans, who also took part in Dance Marathon, which is a student-led philanthropy group that helps raise funds for UI Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital. “The certificate program pieced together coursework in organizational effectiveness, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and I even had to create my own nonprofit during my studies. That was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

After working fundraising jobs at both Drake University and Iowa Women Lead Change, Evans has spent the past six years at the UI Center for Advancement—first supporting the UI College of Education and now, for just over one year, with UI Health Care. Every shift in her career trajectory has taken some adjustment time.

“When starting as a development officer, it's not often you’re walking into a spot where you have a portfolio of developed relationships,” she says. “It takes 18 months to learn what works for you and what works to connect with others. That first year can be really hard, but when you make connections with those who have an interest in giving back, it makes the work very fulfilling.”

At the University of Iowa, jobs like Evans’ involve connecting potential donors with health care faculty and staff. She also oversees four other fundraising professionals and strives to instill in her colleagues some of the traits that she’s found to be successful in the field—adaptability, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude.

“Working in health care, you meet people who may be at a high point after a life-changing procedure or having a child. You might also meet someone at a low point while experiencing grief from losing a loved one,” says Evans. “It is a very meaningful job, because you help people realize what they can do to make an impact.”

From the football field to nonprofit fundraising

Joe Conklin (09BA) grew up admiring his father, a Davenport, Iowa, firefighter and paramedic.

"When I was young, I wanted to be like my dad,” says Conklin. “I really liked the idea of helping my community. As I got older, I knew that I also loved sports and wanted to work in athletics in some way.”

Joe Conklin

After earning his degree at Iowa—as well as competing on the Hawkeye football team—Conklin’s career interests started to take shape as athletic director at Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island, Illinois. That’s where Conklin learned about nonprofit fundraising and the possibility of pursuing athletics fundraising jobs.

"Working as an athletic director was certainly a springboard for me,” says Conklin, who credits John Streif (70BS), Iowa’s long-time athletic trainer, for the introduction to fundraising. “John helped me realize that athletics fundraising was where I should go—using my passion for athletics to support our student-athletes.”

As Conklin got used to nonprofit fundraising, he enjoyed connecting with fellow Hawkeyes.

PHOTO: Bob Rasmus/Hawkeyesports.com Joe Conklin makes a tackle against Northwestern during his time as an Iowa football student-athlete. Conklin now fundraises philanthropic support for Iowa athletics.

"Talking to someone about making a major impact or making a gift is an entirely different process and conversation, and I learned that these decisions are not made overnight,” says Conklin. “I strive to be a connector—working with individuals who have an interest in supporting our needs and priorities.”

Now, as executive director of development for intercollegiate athletics, Conklin works alongside a team of individuals who raise funds for Iowa’s 22 sports programs. At the University of Iowa, jobs like Conklin’s focus on supporting specific sports programs.

"Having been a student-athlete and walking in their shoes, I can relate to what they’re going through,” says Conklin. “I love working with individuals who have a strong affinity for Iowa athletics—helping others support something they’re passionate about and is meaningful to them."

While so much continues to change within college athletics—from the transfer portal to name, image, and likeness (NIL)—Conklin says Iowa’s student-athletes continue give it their all and earn a valuable Big Ten education.

"The transformative experience I had 15 years ago—competing for Iowa football—is still really similar to the experience so many of our student-athletes are having today," says Conklin. “Our student-athletes perform at a high level, succeed in the classroom, and build lifetime relationships with their teammates and coaches. It’s still a special experience for so many, and I’m proud to help them succeed in any way I can."

PHOTO: Justin Elsner/hawkeyesports.com Joe Conklin talks with Beth Goetz, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair, during a recent scholarship dinner at the Hansen Football Performance Center.

Inspire generosity: Pursue higher ed careers that make an impact

Whether you’re interested in athletics, health care, and much more, the UI Center for Advancement offers a number of ways for you pursue fundraising jobs that interest you.