In collaboration with the Assistant/Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) and dean, the Executive Director of Development (ED) is responsible for setting fundraising goals and securing philanthropic support consistent with the mission and priorities of the assigned college(s)/unit(s). The S/ED will lead and manage the unit’s development team and 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.

• 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.
• 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.

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of ten years 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.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with academic leaders, faculty, staff, donors, and volunteers.
Proven leadership skills.
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.