Director of Development

Overview

Title: Director of Development
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: Development-Fundraising
Campus

Location:

Normal, IL

The Director of Development represents Illinois State University in pursuing major gifts (funding commitments of $25,000 or more made via outright, pledged or planned gift arrangements) from individuals. The individual holding the position will develop and execute strategies and plans to cultivate, solicit and secure major gifts and qualify new major gift prospects. As appropriate, the individual will collaborate with development colleagues working on behalf of ISU colleges or administrative units and with deans, other campus administrative leaders, and faculty/staff.

Primary responsibilities will be implemented through regular and frequent visits and other substantive contacts with constituents.

Significant travel will be an essential part of the position, as well as occasional participation in evening and weekend activities.

This position will interact with a great deal of people who are very important to the University. The effectiveness of this work contributes to an enhanced institutional image, improved internal and external relationships, development of a philanthropic culture on campus, and the ability to generate private funds for the University.

• Develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and secure major gifts from individuals.
• Qualify new major gift prospects and move them through the development funnel.
• Collaborate with development colleagues supporting ISU colleges and administrative units; partner with deans, campus leaders, faculty, and staff as appropriate.
• Engage in regular and frequent visits and other substantive contacts with constituents.
• Travel as required; participate in evening and weekend activities as needed.
• Contribute to advancing the university’s philanthropic culture and private funding goals.

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least one year of development/fundraising experience or equivalent work experience or education in areas that demonstrate the capacity for success in major gift fundraising.
• Ability to work in a goals-oriented environment.
• Ability to work under broad policy guidance and exercise sound judgment when making critical decisions under varying degrees of pressure.
• Ability to facilitate personal interactions in formal and informal social settings.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment in which both teamwork and individual initiative is necessary.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, assertive, and organized.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies from all disciplines including donors, faculty, staff, students, and selected corporations and foundations.
• Ability to complete work under deadlines.
• Understanding and commitment to the mission of higher education in general and specifically the mission of Illinois State University.
• Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends and to travel both in-state and out-of-state.
• Valid driver's license.

• Demonstrated experience in successful major gift fundraising.
• Experience working in higher education.

Varies

February 25, 2026

Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List

Please Note
:
These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Mark Wunder,
mvwunde