Executive Director of Development

Executive Director of Development

Executive Director of Development

Hiring Department : Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Location : Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID : 1037268

Posting Close Date : November 2, 2025

Salary : The budgeted salary range for the position is $150,000 - $165,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU / VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

In collaboration with the Assistant / Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) and the 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 managing team members, and 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with 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 prospects 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).
• Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met. May hire, train, develop, and manage stuff
• to ensure that a qualified staff to exists to meet group objectives.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects related to fundraising as assigned / approved by AVC.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and / or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment / misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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