Major Gifts Director, Higher Education | 40% Travel

University-of-Illinois-Springfiel; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois at Springfield seeks an Associate Director or Director of Development for the College of Business and Management. The role focuses on major gift fundraising, cultivating donors, and managing a portfolio of prospects with extensive donor meetings.

The position leads solicitation efforts, coordinates campaigns, and supports alumni/donor engagement. Travel up to 40% within the region, with a strong emphasis on strategic donor stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in any field.
• Experience in development, fundraising, donor relations, management or marketing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of donor files and information.
• Willingness and ability to assume responsibility for high-level projects assigned.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donor prospects and donors in collaboration with university leadership and College of Business and Management.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 40 qualified major gift prospects and related stewardship activities.
• Travel 40% to meet with prospects and funders, attend meetings, and engage with staff.
• Proactively solicits significant gifts of $25,000 or more and coordinates activities to secure commitments.
• Assist in directing capital and comprehensive campaigns and coordinate fundraising initiatives.
• Track development activity in UIF fundraising systems and support donor recognition and stewardship.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Project management

Donor relations

Team collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

CRM software

Fundraising database

Job description

University of Illinois at Springfield seeks an Associate Director or Director of Development for the College of Business and Management. The role focuses on major gift fundraising, cultivating donors, and managing a portfolio of prospects with extensive donor meetings.

The position leads solicitation efforts, coordinates campaigns, and supports alumni/donor engagement. Travel up to 40% within the region, with a strong emphasis on strategic donor stewardship.