Senior Director of Development

About ECC

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person-students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors-feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college's mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work

Schedule

Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Rate of Pay/Benefits

This is a Full-Time Administrative position at grade 17, with an annual salary range of $84,923 to $113,231. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College's compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status

Exempt

Grant Funded

No

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Development is a key position focused on advancing ECC's mission through strategic fund-raising and resource development. This position drives philanthropic engagement, cultivates high-impact donor relationships, and secures transformational gifts that directly support student success, institutional growth, and long-term sustainability. General direction is received from the Executive Director.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive development experience, preferably within the higher education sector.

Proven track record in fundraising, including demonstrated success in securing major gifts.

Successful history of closing 8-10 major gifts annually, each valued at $10,000 or more.

Strong leadership experience, with expertise in donor cultivation, stewardship, and relationship management.

Demonstrated proficiency in CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), coupled with expertise in leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize fundraising outcomes.

Bachelor's degree required.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Master's degree in a relevant field

Supervision and mentorship of development staff

Essential Duties

Fundraising and Revenue Generation:
Lead efforts to secure major gifts of $10,000 or more. Actively manage a portfolio of 90-125 prospects and consistently close 8-10 major gifts annually, including cash, pledges, and in-kind contributions.

Strategic Planning and Execution:
Contribute to the strategic direction of the College in alignment with ECC's mission and priorities. Develop and implement actionable plans to achieve fundraising and engagement goals.

Team Leadership:
Supervise and mentor the Manager of Annual Giving, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that supports professional growth and aligns with institutional objectives.

Engagement and Relationship Building:
Build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal leaders and departments, Foundation Board members, community leaders and external partners.

Data Driven Fundraising:
Leverage CRM tools to analyze donor behavior, track engagement and optimize fundraising strategies.

Campaign and Project Management:
Lead targeted fundraising campaigns and special projects that support scholarships, initiatives and institutional priorities.

Other Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned that support the responsibilities and objectives of the position.

Physical Demands

Light Work:
Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Visual Acuity

Position requires close visual acuity to perform activities (i.e. preparing/analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer monitor; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes).

Work Environment

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions

Typical office or administrative conditions (i.e. not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions).

Current SSECCA Union Member Information

The initial posting date for this position is 08/28/2025. Elgin Community College Support Staff Association (SSECCA) members that apply by 09/05/2025 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Elgin…