Salary: See Position Description
Location : Edwardsville, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01537
Organization: Univ Advancement, VC
Opening Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
DescriptionDirector/Senior Director of Development (AP27-024)The OpportunitySouthern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for the position of Director/Senior Director of Development to advance major philanthropic investments supporting the University's institutional priorities. The successful candidate will build relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners to secure significant gifts and expand SIUE's impact.
Managing a portfolio of current and prospective major gift donors, the Director/Senior Director will identify opportunities, deepen engagement, and develop strategies that turn philanthropic interest into meaningful commitments. Success requires strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate opportunities, prioritize resources, and translate emerging possibilities into actionable plans.
In partnership with academic and administrative leaders, the Director/Senior Director will connect donor interests with compelling university priorities, building trust and engaging stakeholders to advance shared goals.
Institutional and Fundraising ContextSIUE: Shaping the Future of Our RegionFor nearly 70 years, SIUE has transformed lives, expanded opportunity, and helped shape the Metro East and greater St. Louis region. With more than 127,000 alumni and a regional economic impact exceeding $1.3 billion, SIUE drives individual achievement, workforce development, innovation, and stronger communities.
Through student success initiatives, hands-on learning, research, and community partnerships, SIUE prepares future professionals and applies knowledge to pressing regional challenges. As the University approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027, philanthropy will help build on this legacy-opening doors for students, developing regional talent, advancing innovative solutions, and creating lasting community impact.
Priorities for the Director/Senior Director of Development•
Advance strategic major gift opportunities. Manage and grow a portfolio of prospective and current donors, prioritizing opportunities and advancing relationships from cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.
• Build influential, donor-centered relationships. Understand donor motivations, build trust with alumni, friends, and partners, and connect philanthropic interests with compelling SIUE priorities.
• Align institutional priorities with philanthropic opportunity. Partner with academic and administrative leaders to identify funding needs, develop persuasive proposals, and connect donor interests with university goals.
• Exercise sound judgment and anticipate opportunity. Assess prospect readiness, anticipate next steps and challenges, manage competing priorities, and adapt strategies to sustain fundraising momentum.
• Drive execution and results. Maintain a productive pipeline through effective portfolio management, consistent follow-through, thoughtful stewardship, progress tracking, and collaboration.
The Successful CandidateThe successful candidate will be a thoughtful, relationship-focused development professional who recognizes opportunities, makes sound decisions, and turns plans into results. They will be curious and eager to learn, able to manage competing priorities, and confident taking on challenges while valuing collaboration and counsel.
They will understand donor motivations, communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and connect philanthropic interests with SIUE's priorities. Passion for the University's mission, initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to building lasting partnerships will be essential.
Salary Range: $69,599-$122,635 (Based on Qualifications) FLSA: Exempt
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications Director of Development:- Bachelor's Degree
- At least 3 years of full-time, progressively responsible experience in communications, organizational partnerships, alumni relations, or fundraising experience preferably in higher education
- Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and execute communications, alumni relations, or fundraising plans
- Outstanding planning, organization and oral and written communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs and use of relational databases, preference for Blackbaud Raiser's Edge.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive materials and maintain strict confidentiality
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's Degree
- Preferred Fundraising campaign management experience
- Preferred knowledge of the St. Louis regional and Metro-East area and business communities
- Preferred Blackbaud Raiser's Edge knowledge/experience
Senior Director of Development:- Bachelor's Degree
- At least 7 years of full-time, progressively responsible fundraising experience, including major gift fundraising
experience preferably in higher education
- Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and execute cultivation and fundraising plans
- Outstanding planning, organization and oral and written communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs and use of relational databases, preference for Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive materials and maintain strict confidentiality
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's Degree
- Preferred fundraising campaign management experience
- Preferred knowledge of the St. Louis regional and Metro-East area and business communities
- Preferred CFRE certification
- Preferred Blackbaud Raiser's Edge knowledge/experience
Supplemental InformationApplication Materials and Information:- To be eligible for the role, ensure that your application includes a complete and detailed employment history that highlights your relevant full-time and part-time work experience, including start and end dates of employment, and at least three professional references.
- You are strongly encouraged to submit a resume and/or cover letter to provide additional context and showcase your qualifications.
- Applicants who feel their credentials and prior experience align with the listed minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. In the application or within the cover letter and resume clearly describe how your credentials and relevant work experience align with the specified minimum requirements of the position.
- Applications must be submitted by the specified closing date no later than 11:59 p.m. CST.
Pre- Employment Screening: All external candidates who receive a job offer will be required to undergo pre-employment screening for this position. The screening process will encompass a criminal background check and, where applicable, other background checks such as a drug screen, verification of employment and education or licensure/certification, reference checks, and/or checks with relevant government registries. Please note that all job offers are contingent upon successful completion of the required screening process.
Additional Information:Visa Sponsorship & F-1/J-1 VisasSIUE will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States and visa sponsorship for this position will not be provided.
International students at SIUE on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for full-time or part-time civil service positions with permanent status.
