Illinois Wesleyan University seeks an experienced Vice President for Advancement with a proven record of accomplishment and an in-depth understanding of contemporary philanthropy. The Vice President will lead Advancement and Alumni operations, as the University enters into a comprehensive campaign for which planning has already begun. The Vice President will have responsibility for designing and implementing fund-raising strategy, as well recruiting and developing talented team members. The Advancement Office includes: major gifts, leadership giving, gift planning, capital campaigns, research, donor discovery and alumni engagement, annual giving, stewardship, and advancement operations. The University’s Grants Officer reports to Academic Affairs, maintaining a “dotted line” responsibility to Advancement.

The Vice President reports directly to the President and works closely with the President in all phases of his/her advancement and campaign leadership activities. The Vice President is a key member of the university’s administrative leadership team. He or she will work collaboratively with other university administrators, deans, faculty members, and the Board of Trustees to determine areas of need and aspiration, identify opportunities for institutional support, and engage with external constituencies to advance both short-  and long-term goals in support of the university’s mission. 

The Vice President serves as staff liaison to the Board of Trustees and the Board Committee on Advancement, providing professional insights on philanthropic strategy. He or she will be expected to stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments particularly relevant to major and planned gifts.

The successful candidate will embrace Illinois Wesleyan’s tradition of excellence in both the liberal arts and pre-professional education, and will demonstrate the ability to inspire donors, the Board, faculty, and staff to raise the resources for IWU to flourish. He or she will maintain active engagement with the advancement profession and contribute to Illinois Wesleyan’s visibility in the higher education community.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of five years’ experience in the development field required, preferably within the realm of higher education. History of successful major gift solicitation and progressive leadership experience.
• This position requires the ability to project a strong positive image of the University through personal interaction with all external clients and constituents, and the ability to motivate people. Relationship-building skills with constituents from a variety of backgrounds and a range of generations.  Ability to navigate conversations across differing cultural and political viewpoints.
• Job requires frequent travel and attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars and workshops.
• Valid US driver’s license.

Application Information:

Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references.   Within the cover letter, applicants should share their understanding of inclusion and how their experiences have prepared them to contribute to the IWU commitment of building a diverse and inclusive environment.  

Review of complete applicant materials will begin immediately, with a priority apply-by date of Monday, July 29. The position will remain open until filled.