Director of Development

Western Kentucky University; Illinois; On-site; USD 69,528 - 77,256; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Plan

Life Insurance

AD&D

Job summary

Western Illinois University seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising programs and secure major gifts, reporting to AVP for University Advancement in the WIU Foundation and Development Office.

The role emphasizes building relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, and foundations to support academic priorities and the university's strategic plan; extensive travel (25–50%) and weekend/evening work required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Demonstrated success in higher education or non-profit fundraising or related marketing/sales.
• Ability to build relationships and convey passion for the University.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; coordinate diverse groups.
• Computer proficiency applicable to the position.
• Weekend/evening work and extensive travel (25–50%) required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for fundraising programs with emphasis on securing major gifts.
• Work with the WIU Foundation and Development Office reporting to AVP.
• Align fundraising with university priorities and strategic plan.

Skills

Bachelor's Degree

Fundraising

Relationship building

Communication skills

Computer proficiency

Travel 25-50%

Organization

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 5,500 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non‑residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

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.

Benefits Summary

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These 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). Other benefits include paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• A demonstrated record of success in higher education or non‑profit fundraising, including acknowledgement 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

• 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.

Additional Information

THE DEPARTMENT: For additional information on the Western Illinois University Foundation and Development Office, visit
http://www.wiu.edu/giving/

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. A letter of application
2. Current resume
3. Copies of unofficial or official academic transcripts; official copies will be requested of the selected candidate
4. The names, telephone numbers, and e‑mail addresses of three current professional references

Screening will begin on July 27, 2026.

Western Illinois University endeavors to provide a safe environment for its employees and students and requires candidates to submit to a background investigation upon offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon compliance with University policies and procedures relating to the receipt and evaluation of information contained in the background investigation.

Western Illinois University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including, but not limited to, minorities, veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities. WIU has a non‑discrimination policy that includes discrimination based on an individual's membership in the following classes: sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other classes protected by state or federal law.

Questions regarding the search may be directed to: Thad Dohrn at [e-mail].

For assistance with the online application system contact the Office of Human Resources at (309) 298‑1971 or via email at [e-mail].