Job Description

Job Description:

APPOINTMENT: September 1, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Development will report to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement in the WIU Foundation and Development Office. Provides leadership for various university fundraising programs, with primary emphasis on fundraising through securing major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to support academic priorities of the university and the goals and objectives of the University's strategic plan "Higher Values in Higher Education".

RANK & SALARY: $69,528 - $77,256 per year.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: https://www.wiu.edu/human_resources/benefits/.

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at [email protected] or by calling 309-298-1971.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree.
A demonstrated record of success in higher education or non-profit fundraising, including acknowledge of gift planning techniques and tools, or experience in marketing or outside sales.
A desire to build relationships and convey a passion for the University with the purpose of raising funds.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, and to coordinate efforts of diverse groups of alumni, volunteers, faculty and staff.
Computer proficiency applicable to the position required.
Weekend and evening work is required, in addition to extensive travel (25 - 50%).
Strong organizational and time management skills, including experience in strategic planning and goal setting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree.
Evidence of progressive professional experience in higher education fundraising.
For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.