Director of Development

Category:
Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 5,500 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non‑residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

APPOINTMENT: September 1, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Development will report to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement in the WIU Foundation and Development Office. Provides leadership for various university fundraising programs, with primary emphasis on fundraising through securing major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to support academic priorities of the university and the goals and objectives of the University's strategic plan "Higher Values in Higher Education".

RANK & SALARY: $69,528 - $77,256 per year.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These include:
Health Insurance plans (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Other benefits include paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• A demonstrated record of success in higher education or non‑profit fundraising, including acknowledgement of gift planning techniques and tools, or experience in marketing or outside sales.
• A desire to build relationships and convey a passion for the University with the purpose of raising funds.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, and to coordinate efforts of diverse groups of alumni, volunteers, faculty and staff.
• Computer proficiency applicable to the position required.
• Weekend and evening work is required, in addition to extensive travel (25 – 50%).
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including experience in strategic planning and goal setting.

• Evidence of progressive professional experience in higher education fundraising.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree‑granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

THE DEPARTMENT: For additional information on the Western Illinois University Foundation and Development Office, visit
http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Applicants should submit the following documents:

Screening will begin on July 27, 2026.

Western Illinois University endeavors to provide a safe environment for its employees and students and requires candidates to submit to a background investigation upon offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon compliance with University policies and procedures relating to the receipt and evaluation of information contained in the background investigation.

Western Illinois University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including, but not limited to, minorities, veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities. WIU has a non‑discrimination policy that includes discrimination based on an individual's membership in the following classes: sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other classes protected by state or federal law.

Questions regarding the search may be directed to:
Thad Dohrn at TW-Dohrn.

For assistance with the online application system contact the Office of Human Resources at (309) 298‑1971 or via email at hr-recruitment.