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Title: Associate Director, Leadership Annual Giving
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: Development-Fundraising
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Associate Director will help move existing donors up the fundraising pipeline by targeting upgrade solicitations, primarily at the $1,500 level, through personal visits, digital and remote engagement, and mass fundraising appeals. The Associate Director will manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving donors, visiting them in person, by video or phone. They will also serve as coordinator for the Back-a-Bird program. They will be responsible for the year-over-year growth of the program designed to bring more restricted, annual scholarships to Illinois State to support Redbirds.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$50,000 - $60,000

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
3. Comfort in generating leads or “cold calls” to interact with prospective donors
4. Proven skill in meeting measurable goals and metrics
5. Ability to meet established deadlines
6. Demonstrated ability to work as a self-starter and self-motivator
7. Creative problem-solver who can identify gaps and opportunities and share recommendations to enhance the annual giving fundraising program
8. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
9. Ability to constructively integrate and contribute as a member of the Annual Giving team and the entire Development Department, as well as all the Division of University Advancement
10. Demonstrated ability to behave in a manner that ensures confidentiality of donor data
11. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, emerging technologies, and a good understanding of social media
12. Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

1.Minimum of one year of experience in fundraising or transferable skills in outreach, relationship building, solicitations and closing appeals.
2.Experience with mass solicitation marketing channels such as direct mail, email, and digital tactics to create meaningful and effective fundraising appeals for donors is preferred. Donor stewardship experience is also an asset.

Work Hours

8-4:30 am. This position will include evening work, travel and some weekends may be required.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate daily

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. 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"

Special Instructions for Applicants

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: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Contact Information for Applicants

Jillian Nelson,
jyoun11@ilstu.edu,
309-438-2592

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.