Strategic Development & Foundation Director

Cantonillinois; Canton (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Spoon River College seeks a Chief Development Officer/Foundation Director to provide strategic leadership for the Foundation and to serve as the chief development officer for the college. You will guide fundraising, donor relations, and grant strategies district-wide, aligning with institutional priorities and the Promise program.

The role requires collaboration with the President, Foundation Board, and campus leaders, with occasional evening/weekend events and travel across districts.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of fundraising or advancement experience in nonprofit, higher education, or a related field.
• Proven ability to cultivate and solicit donors and secure philanthropic support.
• Experience managing programs, budgets, and personnel.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in higher education advancement or with a community college foundation.
• Experience with major gifts, capital or comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, or endowment development.
• Experience with a Foundation Board or nonprofit governing board.
• Experience developing corporate, business, and community partnerships.
• Experience with dual-credit programs or high school-to-college pathways.
• Knowledge of Spoon River College communities and educational needs.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and clean driving record; willingness to travel for events.
• Must become a resident within the Spoon River College district within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Foundation’s daily operations, strategic planning, financial management, compliance, and organizational development.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and advancement strategy across annual giving, major gifts, and campaigns.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at multiple levels.
• Build relationships with alumni, community leaders, businesses, and foundations.
• Develop cases for philanthropic support highlighting impact on students and programs.
• Establish donor stewardship and engagement strategies to grow participation and giving.
• Lead initiatives for the Spoon River College Promise Program.
• Expand grant funding across public, private, corporate, state, and federal sources.
• Represent the College and Foundation at events and with partners.
• Collaborate with leaders to align philanthropic investment with enrollment, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives.
• Supervise Foundation staff and coordinate with Foundation Board and committees.
• Monitor fundraising activities and progress toward advancement goals.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Higher education advancement

Major gifts

Capital campaigns

Endowment development

Foundation board

Partnerships

Dual-credit programs

Job description

Spoon River College seeks a Chief Development Officer/Foundation Director to provide strategic leadership for the Foundation and to serve as the chief development officer for the college. You will guide fundraising, donor relations, and grant strategies district-wide, aligning with institutional priorities and the Promise program.

The role requires collaboration with the President, Foundation Board, and campus leaders, with occasional evening/weekend events and travel across districts.