Salary: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 Annually
Location : Aurora, IL
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Job Number:
College/School: Office of Philanthropy and Engagement
Department: Office of Philanthropy and Engagement
Opening Date: 09/23/2026

Position Purpose:

Aurora University seeks a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Engagement to expand philanthropic support for the University's mission and priorities. A strategic relationship-builder, the director will manage a dynamic portfolio of alumni, parents, friends, and other University constituents, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding meaningful philanthropic partnerships with a focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 and above.

The ideal candidate thrives in a goal-oriented, highly collaborative environment and is energized by the opportunity to advance student success, academic programs, and other University priorities while helping shape the future of a student-centered, Hispanic-Serving Institution with deep regional roots and growing relevance. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, the Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Engagement will work closely with colleagues across Advancement and the broader University community to strengthen donor engagement and grow philanthropic investments.
Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage a dynamic portfolio of donors and prospects with a primary focus on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $25,000 and up.
• Build and advance meaningful donor relationships through proactive outreach, personal visits, and consistent and strategic engagements that advance relationships and support fundraising goals.
• Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect, including the creation of briefing materials, proposals, and customized engagement plans.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, academic leaders, and campus partners to align donor interests with university priorities and ensure effective stewardship.
• Meet or exceed established annual fundraising goals and performance metrics, including donor visits and meaningful contacts, solicitations, and philanthropic commitments.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, and proposals in the Advancement CRM system.
• Represent the university at donor events and campus activities.
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments, along with travel approximately 30% of the time, are required to cultivate key relationships and represent the university at signature events.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of at least two years of demonstrated successful fundraising experience with individual donors, preferably in an academic environment, or closely aligned professional experience.
• Must understand and articulate the mission of Aurora University and the case for its support.
• Proven track record for successful personal solicitations or in sales is desired.
• Understanding of planned giving is desired.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or other CRM preferred.

The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

• Health Insurance
  Choice of HMO or PPO offered through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
• Dental and Vision Insurance
  Choice of two dental plans and vision insurance offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Life Insurance and AD&D
  1.5 times annual salary, dependent on age. Additional life insurance also may be purchased for self, spouse, and children.
• Long Term Disability
  60% of salary, taxable and nontaxable options.
• TIAA Retirement Account
  The University offers a 403b retirement plan, administered by TIAA. Matching contributions offered first day of employment to eligible employees, at the discretion of the University and Board of Directors.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  FSAs are available for medical costs and dependent care costs.
• Paid Time Off
  Vacation, personal, and sick leave are provided to eligible employees.
• Holidays
  The university observes nine major holidays where the university is closed.
• Tuition Assistance
  Tuition assistance for AU undergraduate courses is available to eligible employees and eligible family members beginning the term following one (1) year of regular, full-time employment. Tuition assistance for graduate programs paid at 60% for employee following Senior Leadership approval.
• Tuition Exchange Consortiums
  AU is a member of the Tuition Exchange (TE) and the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP) enabling full-time employees and eligible family members to be eligible for tuition assistance at more than 600 universities nationwide. Eligibility for the CIC-TEP and TE programs is one (1) year of regular, full-time employment as of 8/31.

To see more benefits details and breakdowns please see our benefits guide
01

Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least two years of professional experience in fundraising with individual donors or closely aligned professional experience involving relationship development, solicitation, sales, or constituent engagement?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have professional experience building and maintaining relationships with donors, prospects, clients, customers, or other external constituents?

• Yes
• No

04

This position requires approximately 30% travel. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05

This position requires occasional evening and weekend commitments for donor engagement and University events. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

Required Question