Executive Director of Development

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.