Director of Development

Description

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for a full-time Director of Development position. This position, reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement , will secure private support for EIU in alignment with the funding priorities outlined by the Vice President of Advancement and the assigned college or unit. The successful candidate will be collaborative and an innovative team member who, through strategic work and relationship building, will help EIU grow our donor pipelines and the philanthropic landscape at EIU.

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.

The focus of this position is to actively manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. Work will include pipeline growth, donor qualification, cultivation and solicitation, as well as some stewardship of existing donors.

Job Duties Include

• Manage a portfolio of major donor prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more in support of EIU, with a focus on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure within assigned portfolio.
• Meet with donors and donor prospects 25-50% time via travel, on-campus visits, phone, and video conferencing, including some evenings and weekends.
• In partnership with the VPUA, advancement colleagues, and assigned units, develop strategies to increase constituent pipelines.
• Develop and execute strategies for assigned unit that will support unit philanthropic priorities and successfully increase major gift support.
• Develop and maintain close collaborative partnerships with assigned units to gain a strong understanding of programs and initiatives to identify and define opportunities for private support.
• Collaborate with stewardship and engagement colleagues on developing strategic engagement plans for key alumni and donors.
• Develop and maintain close collaborative partnerships with campus and unit colleagues to ensure a strong baseline knowledge of campus, college, and unit programs and priorities and an ability to devise and execute sound prospect strategies for philanthropic opportunities.
• Participate in advancement strategy meetings, assisting colleagues and providing support for all ongoing programs and operations as needed to help meet the fundraising goals.
• Document all activities, interactions, and other relevant data in the alumni / donor database.
• Serve as the point of contact for assigned units for all fund administration and management questions.

Starting Date : August 1, 2025

Salary / Pay Rate Range :

Salary range is $60,000 - $64,980 annually

Benefits Overview :

Eastern Illinois University offers an excellent benefit package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits :

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Application Instructions

Applications : A complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Application materials must be submitted to Interfolio via

For questions regarding the search, please contact Brenda Brown, Screening Committee Chair, at babrown5@eiu.edu.