Director of Development

University of Illinois Chicago•Rockford, IL

1d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford seeks a Director of Development to plan, direct, and implement programs to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gifts from individual donors and prospects at the five-figure level and above. The Director serves as the primary liaison to department heads and key faculty to identify fundraising priorities and develop solicitation strategies. The role collaborates with the Chicago College of Medicine team on major-gift strategies and can leverage its support for alumni and donor relations, events, and corporate and foundation proposal development. Travel to key regions for donor meetings and University business is required. The position manages a portfolio of major and planned gift donors rated at $25,000 and above and works toward annual performance metrics, including approximately 120 visits with alumni and donors. It directs development strategy aligned with educational, research, and clinical Advancement priorities; advises College leadership and faculty on fundraising strategies; coordinates donor engagement and stewardship; and develops research, metrics, and reports on fundraising prospects, benchmarks, and results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of experience in development or a related field.
Proven success securing and conducting face-to-face meetings for major solicitations.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Excellent communication, presentation, business development, organization, and computer skills.
Proficiency using fundraising software and data management.
Ability to travel, including occasional overnight, evening, and weekend commitments.

Nice To Haves

Development experience within an institution of higher learning or a healthcare delivery institution.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of major and planned gift donors rated at $25,000 and above using appropriate prospect and portfolio management strategies.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit alumni and friends in support of College of Medicine and University priorities.
Meet or exceed annual performance metrics, including approximately 120 annual visits with alumni and donors.
Prepare professional presentations and funding proposals for donors.
Direct development strategy and activities aligned with educational, research, and clinical Advancement priorities and initiatives.
Advise department heads, the dean, and faculty on strategies for soliciting gifts, scholarships, facilities, and endowments.
Serve as subject matter lead on College of Medicine Rockford strategic initiatives for the College of Medicine Advancement team.
Coordinate high-level donor meetings with the Regional Dean and faculty or senior leadership for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Work with senior leaders to cultivate and identify alumni for college, university, and community awards and recognition.
Collaborate with the Director of Communications to increase donor- and alumni-focused content in college communications, including newsletters, the website, and social media.
Work with Chicago College of Medicine data and operations teams to track fundraising and update the Regional Dean and senior leadership on progress.
Develop and present research, metrics, and reports on the prospect pool, benchmarks, success, and growth.
Coordinate with the Chicago College of Medicine Stewardship team on acknowledgment letters, endowment impact reports, and other stewardship activities for high-level donors.
Provide input to the Chicago College of Medicine Individual Giving team on content for mailings and digital campaigns.
Collaborate with Chicago College of Medicine Alumni Relations and Special Events teams to enhance prospect and donor interactions and increase potential gifts.
Travel to key regions for donor meetings, prospect cultivation and stewardship activities, and other University business.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.