Director of Development
About The Position
The Director of Development represents Illinois State University in pursuing major gifts (funding commitments of $25,000 or more made via outright, pledged or planned gift arrangements) from individuals. The individual holding the position will develop and execute strategies and plans to cultivate, solicit and secure major gifts and qualify new major gift prospects. As appropriate, the individual will collaborate with development colleagues working on behalf of ISU colleges or administrative units and with deans, other campus administrative leaders, and faculty/staff. Primary responsibilities will be implemented through regular and frequent visits and other substantive contacts with constituents. Significant travel will be an essential part of the position, as well as occasional participation in evening and weekend activities. This position will interact with a great deal of people who are very important to the University. The effectiveness of this work contributes to an enhanced institutional image, improved internal and external relationships, development of a philanthropic culture on campus, and the ability to generate private funds for the University. This search will fill two open positions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- At least one year of development/fundraising experience or equivalent work experience or education in areas that demonstrate the capacity for success in major gift fundraising.
- Ability to work in a goals-oriented environment.
- Ability to work under broad policy guidance and exercise sound judgment when making critical decisions under varying degrees of pressure.
- Ability to facilitate personal interactions in formal and informal social settings.
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment in which both teamwork and individual initiative is necessary.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills.
- Highly motivated, assertive, and organized.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work with diverse constituencies from all disciplines including donors, faculty, staff, students, and select corporations and foundations.
- Ability to complete work under deadlines.
- Understanding and commitment to the mission of higher education in general and specifically the mission of Illinois State University.
- Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends and to travel both in-state and out-of-state.
- Valid driver's license
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience in successful major gift fundraising.
- Experience working in higher education.
Benefits
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
