Director of Development

Western Illinois University; Macomb (IL); On-site; USD 69,528 - 77,256; Full time

Job summary

Western Illinois University seeks a Director of Development in Macomb, IL.

The role provides leadership for the College of Business and Technology’s fundraising program, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, and guiding major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support academic priorities and the university’s strategic plan Higher Values in Higher Education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated record of success in higher education or nonprofit fundraising, including knowledge of gift planning techniques and tools or experience in marketing/outside sales.
• Ability to build relationships and convey passion for WIU and the assigned college to raise funds.
• Strong written/spoken communication and ability to coordinate alumni, volunteers, faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the College of Business and Technology’s fundraising program.
• Drive major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to support academic priorities and the university’s strategic plan.

Skills

Fundraising

Major gifts

Relationship building

Communication

Travel flexibility

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Director of Development

Appointment: September 1, 2026

Location: Macomb, IL

Salary: $69,528 - $77,256 per year

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement in the WIU Foundation and Development Office.
• Provides overall leadership for the College of Business and Technology’s fundraising program.
• Primary emphasis on fundraising through securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the academic priorities of the College and the goals and objectives of the University’s strategic plan "Higher Values in Higher Education".

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A demonstrated record of success in higher education or non‑profit fundraising, including acknowledgment of gift planning techniques and tools or experience in marketing or outside sales.
• A desire to build relationships and convey a passion for WIU and the assigned college 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.
• Degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

Benefits

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of Illinois benefits, including health insurance plans (HMO, OAP, QCHP, CDHP), dental insurance, vision plan, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, supplemental long‑term disability, flex spending accounts, 403(b) supplemental retirement plans, and 457(b) deferred compensation plans. Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Additional benefits include paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, tuition waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA. For a full list of benefits please visit https://www.wiu.edu/human_resources/benefits/.