Assistant Vice President/Chief Development Officer

Eastern Illinois University; Charleston (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for the role of Assistant Vice President (AVP)/Chief Development Officer. This senior leader will oversee the fundraising team and Strategic Communications & Operations, driving unified priorities and development planning across colleges and units in Charleston, IL.

The AVP will manage data-driven moves management, set annual goals, and coordinate with Alumni Relations and the Foundation to secure principal gifts and support high-impact projects

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in professional fundraising in higher education or nonprofit.
• Proven track record closing six- or seven-figure gifts.
• Experience with CRM software (Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce).
• Ability to travel for donor meetings and events in evenings/weekends.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Collaborative team-oriented work style and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gifts ($250,000+).
• Supervise and mentor fundraising professionals; set annual KPIs and performance metrics.
• Architect annual fundraising plans, micro-campaigns, and a comprehensive campaign.
• Advise Deans and academic leaders on fundraising priorities and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations and Foundation to support engagement activities.
• Set annual fundraising goals and KPIs; monitor portfolio health with data analytics.
• Ensure activities align with strategic plan and advancement standards.
• Partner with Engagement and Communications to ensure donor experience and messaging.

Skills

CRM experience

Donor engagement

Team leadership

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Communication

Travel willingness

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Blackbaud CRM

Salesforce

Job description

Closes:

November 8, 2026 University Advancement

Position Summary:

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for the role of Assistant Vice President (AVP)/Chief Development Officer. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs & University Advancement, this new position is a cornerstone of our advancement division and will serve as a pivotal member of the Advancement Leadership Team as we launch a micro-campaign for our new Integrated Science Building, Admissions Welcome Center, and a renovated residence hall. The AVP will lead the fundraising team and the Strategic Communications & Operations area with a focus on unified institutional priorities, development planning and goal setting, data management, strategic partnership both in Advancement and with other key stakeholders, pipeline development, and securing philanthropic support for colleges and units across EIU.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gifts ($250,000+)
• Supervise, coach, and mentor a team of fundraising professionals; establish clear annual KPIs and performance metrics that foster a high-output, collaborative culture in partnership with the Vice President for Student Affairs & University Advancement
• Serve as a key architect for EIU’s annual fundraising plan, micro-campaigns, and upcoming comprehensive campaign
• Serve as a primary advisor to Deans and other academic leaders
• Provide strategic guidance on fundraising priorities and donor engagement and translating unit-specific priorities into actionable fundraising initiatives
• Direct collaboration with Alumni Relations to support Alumni Engagement as well as the Foundation Collaborative relationship with Assistant Athletics Director/Development
• Responsible for establishing annual fundraising goals and KPIs for Development and individual fundraisers Utilize data analytics to monitor portfolio health, ensuring a fluid "moves management" process across the entire frontline team
• Ensure all fundraising activities align with the university’s strategic plan and centralized advancement standards
• Partner with Engagement, Communications, and Stewardship teams to ensure seamless donor experience and consistent institutional messaging
• Represent the university at high-level meetings, events, and individual visits with alumni, friends, and community stakeholders
• Responsible for managing development’s annual budget
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
• A minimum of five years of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a nonprofit organization
• Demonstrated success in qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of six- or seven-figure gifts (or higher)
• Experience with CRM software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce)
• Ability to travel to meet with donors and work evening/weekend events as required
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
• Experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated ability to positively represent EIU in visits with alumni, donors and constituents
• Supervisory experience Strong commitment to the Donor Bill of Rights and the ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or relevant campaign experience
• Experience leading or mentoring professional staff in a goal-oriented setting Goal setting and tracking experience
• Experience in determining appropriate gift levels and writing effective gift proposals
• Working knowledge of or experience with major gift fundraising, annual giving, and corporate and foundation fundraisingThree years or more experience as a supervisor
• Demonstrated success in closing principal-level gifts ($250,000+)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of all functional areas of an advancement organization, including major gift fundraising, stewardship, annual giving, and engagement preferably in a higher education environment
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex academic needs into compelling donor opportunities
• Ability to interpret and use data to guide strategic decisions and portfolio management
• Proficiency in navigating complex organizational structures to solve problems and reduce friction in the fundraising process
• Sophisticated interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with diverse constituents, including the President, campus and community stakeholders, board members, donors, and high-net-worth individuals
• Excellent project management skills, including skill in setting, meeting and exceeding project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints
• Strong active listening and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit exceptional judgement

Work Hours:

The core work hours of this position are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Some required evenings, weekends, and travel.

Current annual salary range for this position is $115,000 – 120,000

Application Review will Begin on:

November 13, 2026

Required Applicant Documents:

No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

• Application
• Resume
• References
• Transcripts (where required as a MAQ)

Benefits Overview:

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans are available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equal opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community:

Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.

Important Information for Applicants:

Eastern Illinois University is an Affluent Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or [e-mail] for assistance.

Eastern Illinois University is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institutionbythe Illinois Board of Higher Education.

EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race,color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal andstate statutes is strictly prohibited.