Director of Development

Title: Director of Development

Division Name: University Advancement

Department: Development-Fundraising

Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

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.

University Benefit Highlights

• 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

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$70,000 - $84,500

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree
2. 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.
3. Ability to work in a goals-oriented environment.
4. Ability to work under broad policy guidance and exercise sound judgment when making critical decisions under varying degrees of pressure.
5. Ability to facilitate personal interactions in formal and informal social settings.
6. Ability to work in a collaborative environment in which both teamwork and individual initiative is necessary.
7. Outstanding interpersonal skills.
8. Highly motivated, assertive, and organized.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
10. Ability to work with diverse constituencies from all disciplines including donors, faculty, staff, students, and select corporations and foundations.
11. Ability to complete work under deadlines.
12. Understanding and commitment to the mission of higher education in general and specifically the mission of Illinois State University.
13. Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends and to travel both in-state and out-of-state.
14. Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated experience in successful major gift fundraising.
2. Experience working in higher education.

Work Hours

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Ability to perform sedentary work involving sitting the majority of the time.
2. Ability to conduct or attend meetings in various locations on and off campus.
3. Ability to effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

January 2027

Required Applicant Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List, with at least 3 professional references with contact information.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

University Advancement is hiring two Director of Development positions.

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

Contact Information for Applicants

Teresha Bossingham,

tabossi@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.