Senior/Executive Directors of Development

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) seeks experienced fundraising leaders who are curious, forward-thinking and solution-minded to join our team as senior and executive directors of development. The ideal candidate will connect constituents directly to UIC’s mission, which is to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of intellectual excellence through research, educational opportunity, public service and healthcare for the underserved.

UIC is the premier public R1 research institution in Chicago.

We are on the heels of an unprecedented campaign that saw six years of consecutive enrollment growth, sponsored research records set and broken and accolades that reflect our mission in excellence in public education, diversity, value and social mobility.

On a trajectory driven by bold thought leaders who define the battles against societal challenges and push the envelopes of art, opinion and performance, UIC is building for its next campaign. With significant investment in talent and programming, we seek a diversity of development professionals ready to execute transformational, life-changing fundraising.

Entering into a growth phase has created opportunity to hire a number of development leaders. Throughout this recruitment process, we will balance Advancement’s needs with candidates’ experience and interest to fill fundraiser roles at senior or executive director levels in the College of Applied Health Sciences; College of Architecture, Design & the Arts; College of Engineering; College of Dentistry; College of Pharmacy; School of Public Health and Jane Addams College of Social work.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advancement (AVC) and working closely with the dean, the senior/executive director of development is responsible for setting fundraising goals and securing philanthropic support consistent with the mission and priorities of the assigned college(s)/unit(s). The senior/executive director will lead and manage the unit’s development efforts including the planning and direction of comprehensive strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors, including alumni and friends of the unit and University.

Following are the responsibilities and duties of this role:

• Work with the AVC and dean to establish strategic direction, develop comprehensive plans, and set real and applicable goals for assigned college and unit advancement programs.
• Lead and implement assigned college/unit’s development goals and objectives.

• Actively engage and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, employing appropriate strategies and tactics in prospect and portfolio management. This may include individuals, corporations and foundations.

• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals. Annually solicit 12–20 and close 10-20 major gifts, with a focus on gifts of six-figures and above.
• May manage and oversee the work of development officers with a focus on major gift development.

• Collaborate with the dean, department heads, faculty and other key partners across Advancement and unit to build a compelling case for support. Present the unit’s fundraising opportunities articulately, persuasively, and with confidence. Prepare and present proposals to prospects and donors, working with central Advancement teams such as communications and donor relations when appropriate.
• Partner with unit leadership, Advancement colleagues, faculty, and volunteers to develop and promote compelling engagement opportunities and relationships with assigned prospects to maximize their financial support of the unit’s fundraising priorities.
• Participate in strategy sessions related to individual, corporate, and foundation prospects of interest to colleges and units and special fundraising initiatives.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of prospect pools, program performance, and fundraising initiatives for assigned college/unit.
• Meet regularly with AVC and dean to define fundraising success, develop appropriate strategies for top priorities and prospects, and ensure optimal performance and results.

• Staff deans in cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for top donors and prospects.

• Working with deans and their voluntary groups, such as advisory committees or board of visitors, to cultivate and solicit for major gift support to increase the culture of philanthropy for assigned college/unit.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and the University of Illinois Foundation including annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and communications to ensure an integrated advancement operation.
• Facilitate and coordinate all communications with assigned prospects and among prospects’ University relationships. Track advancement activity and suspect and prospect strategies by entering plans, steps and opportunities in the constituent relationship management database (TED).
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects related to fundraising as assigned/approved by AVC.
• Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met. May hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

This position required strong leadership, exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with academic leaders, faculty, staff, donors and volunteers. The SD will also bring the following professional qualities and experiences:

• Minimum of five years for senior director and ten years for executive director of successful and progressively responsible experience in fundraising, business development, and/or related field focused on relationship management.
• Higher education fundraising experience preferred.
• Demonstrated skill in achieving alignment, working cross-unit, providing active support and close collaboration amongst a broad range of stakeholders in relation to strategic plans and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Ability to work in highly complex organizational structure.
• Tolerance for and ability to work productively in the context of ambiguity, uncertainty and change.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving ability and creativity.
• An understanding of the role of institutional giving and its impact on the community. An appreciation for how to leverage institutional giving with other giving programs to maximize philanthropic activity.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

TO APPLY, PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE UIC JOB BOARD.  Click the link https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=167085 to view the Senior Director of Development job posting.  Click the link   https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=167083 to view the Executive Director of Development job posting.   FOR FULLEST CONSIDERATION PLEASE APPLY BY JUNE 24, 2022.  RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.  UIC also offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899