Executive Director, Philanthropy & Advancement

University of St. Francis; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

University of the St. Francis is seeking a Chief Development Officer in Joliet to lead a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy.

Reporting to the President, the CDO will guide donor engagement, alumni relations, and development activities across the university with a data-driven approach. The role requires extensive fundraising experience, strong collaboration with Trustees and senior leadership, and a commitment to the university's Catholic Franciscan values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
• Five years+ fundraising and external relations leadership experience.
• Experience with fund development best practices and donor identification.
• Significant experience in major gift solicitation.
• Ability to plan and oversee events as part of fundraising goals.
• Leadership style supports collaboration across campus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief advisor to the President on institutional advancement.
• Develop and execute long- and short-term fundraising strategies.
• Set goals and benchmarks to measure department performance.
• Oversee alumni relations and engagement efforts.
• Cultivate new corporate partnerships to support the mission.
• Prepare and manage budgets for division programs.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

External relations

Major gift solicitation

Verbal and written communication

Strategic planning

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Banner

Job description

University of the St. Francis is seeking a Chief Development Officer in Joliet to lead a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy.

Reporting to the President, the CDO will guide donor engagement, alumni relations, and development activities across the university with a data-driven approach. The role requires extensive fundraising experience, strong collaboration with Trustees and senior leadership, and a commitment to the university's Catholic Franciscan values.