Director of Advancement Operations

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for Director of Advancement Operations. This position, reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) and serving on the EIU Advancement leadership team, is responsible for advancement operations for central advancement. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, innovative, detail-oriented and data-driven advancement professional who will establish new operational standards and participate in the creation of new fundraising strategies as we prepare to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign. This position will also serve as our key data and portfolio strategist and will play a key role in the launch of our new CRM.

Located in Charleston, Illinois, Eastern Illinois University is a regional comprehensive institution, and we are committed to offering all students an exceptional, accessible, and affordable education. In fact, EIU offers the lowest cost of attendance of any public university in Illinois. Our picturesque campus offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 36 graduate degree programs. It's an exciting time to join EIU as a member of the advancement team. Guided by the work of Plan 2028, EIU's strategic plan, we are preparing for a comprehensive fundraising campaign. We have immense opportunity to build driven philanthropic opportunities for donors in areas such as scholarships, experiential learning support, student success and persistence, student life and experiences, innovative spaces and technologies, and more.

This position is responsible for the development and execution of advancement guidelines and procedures including, but not limited to, data integrity, gift acceptance, counting and reporting standards, prospect management, naming and recognition, donor recognition and acknowledgment, endowment reporting, and professional development.

Job Duties Include

• Develop, implement, and maintain advancement operational policies, procedures and resources, including process documentation, prospect management, fundraising and records management policies, job aids, strategic plans, proposal templates, resources for colleges and other stakeholders, and more
• Oversee the creation and implementation of a new stewardship processes, including the creation of a centralized gift acknowledgement program
• Help establish and provide oversight for fundraising goal setting, advancement metrics and analysis, portfolio performance evaluation, fundraising campaigns, and centralized and unit- specific advancement annual planning
• Serve as lead advancement data strategist, overseeing our CRM as well as helping to establish new pipeline, portfolio management, and prospecting strategies
• Oversee the creation and implementation of advancement hiring, talent management, and professional development strategies
• Help establish our goals, fundraising strategies, and operational needs for our fundraising campaign
• Oversee the creation and implementation of a strategic and comprehensive advancement communications plan that inspires philanthropic support and promotes increased engagement
• Provide oversight for advancement's mass communication calendar and policies
• Provide oversight for advancement marketing, communication, and impact reporting projects
• Provide budgetary and business operations oversight for all areas of advancement

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff, and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, 125-year tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships, and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest's top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois - a comfortable and safe east central town within a two-to three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas -- Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.
• A minimum of ten years of experience in higher education advancement
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud, or other CRM software
• Experience building, refining, and measuring new operational strategies and processes
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
• Experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience in promoting inclusive excellence
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Advancement CRM implementation experience
• Supervisory experience
• Advancement data experience
• Communications experience
• Experience working in multiple functional areas of advancement
• Campaign experience
• Demonstrated ability to positively represent EIU in visits with alumni, donors and constituents

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of all functional areas of an advancement organization, preferably in a higher education environment
• Knowledge of advancement data and reporting capabilities
• Strong active listening and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit exceptional judgement

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. EIU is pleased to offer employees exceptional benefits.

Application Instructions

A complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references.  Application materials must be submitted to Interfolio via http://apply.interfolio.com/151375.