Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Summary:
Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations will assist in designing strategies to broaden and strengthen UIS development activities. This role focuses on projects, our upcoming comprehensive campaign, advancement operations, collaboration across departments to ensure successful philanthropic outcomes, serves as the liaison between UIF and other units on campus, and acts as an executive advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement at UIS (VCA)/Sr. VP of the U of Illinois Foundation on certain occasions. This position will also have the responsibility of driving results from each staff member in the Division of Advancement, serve on the Vice Chancellor's Leadership Team, help set and execute Advancement's strategy/vision, serve as a bridge between the Vice Chancellor of Advancement and the advancement staff, and help to optimize the organizational structure.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Directs and oversees the Advancement Business Operations Team in consultation with the VCA and AVCs.

Identify, assess, analyze, and design appropriate strategies for approaching prospects and donors and making the vitally important match between donors’ philanthropic interests and the academic priorities of UIS. Plan and implement effective outreach and cultivation activities to enhance prospect identification and move solicitation and stewardship processes forward.

Develop and maintain close collaborative partnerships with faculty and staff to gain a strong knowledge of academic and research programs in order to identify and define priorities to be funded through private support. Partner closely with other advancement professionals across campus/units, including gift officers and corporate relations professionals.

Manages internal and external campaign committees, develops and implements campaign strategies aligned with UIS goals, and coordinates campaign timelines and deliverables. Also, monitors campaign progress and provide regular updates to leadership.

Provide strategic advice and administrative support to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement including, but not limited to: Collaborate with all Advancement and Alumni teams to ensure compliance with deadlines and cohesiveness. Represent the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement at internal and external meetings and forums as needed, and assists in relationship building in the community. Serve as strategic advisor to VCA, assisting with special initiatives, projects and high-level meetings 

Leads quality improvement efforts for Division of Advancement, driving projects/business growth, and maximizing efficiencies 

Other duties as assigned.