Description

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for a full-time Director of Development position. This position, reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement {VPUA}, will secure private support for EIU in alignment with the funding priorities outlined by the Vice President of Advancement and the assigned college or unit. The successful candidate will be collaborative and an innovative team member who, through strategic work and relationship building, will help EIU grow our donor pipelines and the philanthropic landscape at EIU.

Located in Charleston, Illinois, Eastern Illinois University is a regional comprehensive institution, and we are committed to offering all students an exceptional, accessible, and affordable education. In fact, EIU offers the lowest cost of attendance of any public university in Illinois. Our picturesque campus offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 36 graduate degree programs. It's an exciting time to join EIU as a member of the advancement team. Guided by the work of Plan 2028, EIU's strategic plan, we are preparing for a comprehensive fundraising campaign. We have immense opportunity to build driven philanthropic opportunities for donors in areas such as scholarships, experiential learning support, student success and persistence, student life and experiences, innovative spaces and technologies, and more.

The focus of this position is to actively manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. Work will include pipeline growth, donor qualification, cultivation and solicitation, as well as some stewardship of existing donors.

Job Duties Include

• Manage a portfolio of major donor prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more in support of EIU, with a focus on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure within assigned portfolio.
• Meet with donors and donor prospects 25-50% time via travel, on-campus visits, phone, and video conferencing, including some evenings and weekends.
• In partnership with the VPUA, advancement colleagues, and assigned units, develop strategies to increase constituent pipelines.
• Develop and execute strategies for assigned unit{s} that will support unit philanthropic priorities and successfully increase major gift support.
• Develop and maintain close collaborative partnerships with assigned units to gain a strong understanding of programs and initiatives to identify and define opportunities for private support.
• Collaborate with stewardship and engagement colleagues on developing strategic engagement plans for key alumni and donors.
• Develop and maintain close collaborative partnerships with campus and unit colleagues to ensure a strong baseline knowledge of campus, college, and unit programs and priorities and an ability to devise and execute sound prospect strategies for philanthropic opportunities.
• Participate in advancement strategy meetings, assisting colleagues and providing support for all ongoing programs and operations as needed to help meet the fundraising goals.
• Document all activities, interactions, and other relevant data in the alumni/donor database.
• Serve as the point of contact for assigned units for all fund administration and management questions.

Starting Date: August 1, 2025

Salary/Pay Rate Range:

Salary range is $60,000 - $64,980 annually

Benefits Overview:

Eastern Illinois University offers an excellent benefit package designed to support our employees’    well-being and career goals.  

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit