SIUE Foundation
Overview
Join the dynamic SIUE Foundation team at an exceptional time as we ignite the largest fundraising initiative in the institution’s history. SIUE seeks an experienced, successful, collaborative fundraiser to serve as Senior Director of Development who will use their skills and passion to drive positive change in our region and beyond.
The SIUE Foundation is seeking qualified applicants for a Senior Director of Development responsible for supporting both unit and university priorities, leveraging a deep understanding of institutional needs and donor motivations, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
SIUE is a nationally recognized university that provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 12,500.
What You Will Do
Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of 125 current and potential donors, including alumni, donors, parents, friends, corporations, and private foundations, with a primary focus on securing gifts of $25,000 or more with a personal fundraising goal of $3 million in alignment with performance metrics.
Donor Engagement and Solicitation: Collaborate closely with key volunteers, leadership, faculty, and staff to design and implement effective engagement and solicitation strategies that lead to major gift commitments. Actively participate in hosting and attending on-campus and regional events and comprehensive research, outreach, and discovery meetings.
Proposal Development: Work in partnership with unit and SIUEF leadership to create compelling proposals for philanthropic support that align donor interests with institutional and unit priorities. Equip deans, faculty, staff, and volunteers with the necessary tools and strategies for successful proposal preparation, delivery, and follow-up.
Collaboration: Manage and coordinate advancement activities of unit employees. Develop and implement communication strategies, utilizing in-person, print, and online mediums, to inform, engage, and inspire potential donors to invest. Participate actively in staff meetings, strategy sessions, and one-on-one meetings to ensure alignment of goals and progress.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
At least 7 years of full-time, progressively responsible major gift fundraising success, preferably in the field of higher education
Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and execute annual plans and multi-year donor engagement plans
Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal 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
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
Preference for Master’s degree
Preference for knowledge of the St. Louis regional and Metro-East area and business communities
Preference for experience in campaign management, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving
Preference for CFRE certification
Preference for prior Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge knowledge/experience
What We Offer
Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 work schedule with frequent local and regional travel with occasional national travel. Periodically work evenings or weekends to engage with the community of alumni and friends.
SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at the percentage of appointment) including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
University tuition waivers (full-time receive 100% waiver of tuition)
Life insurance
SURS retirement plan
Supplemental retirement savings plans
Paid vacation and sick leave accrual
Generous holiday schedule/paid holidays
WorkLife programs
Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness)
Employee discounts (local and national retailers)
Flexible Spending Account Program
Application 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.
Supplemental Information
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: This position does not offer work authorization sponsorship. 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. F-1 and J-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time and can only apply for temporary part-time roles working 20 hours or less per week during spring and fall semesters, such as student worker positions, assistantships, and civil service extra help roles. SIUE is a state university, and it’s important to highlight that benefits from state-sponsored plans may not be accessible to individuals on F1 or J1 visas.
Accommodation: If you are unable to utilize our online application system and need to request an accommodation, please reach out to us at 618-650-2190 or via email at careerinfo@siue.edu.
Statement of Diversity: SIUE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. We firmly believe in providing equal access and opportunity to individuals across all job titles. We will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.
SIUE cultivates an atmosphere of inclusivity, respect, and warmth that fosters learning and collaboration. Each member of our university community bears the responsibility of actively contributing to this enriching campus environment. We encourage individuals who are dedicated to upholding these values to apply.
To learn more about SIUE’s Mission and statement on diversity, please visit: https://www.siue.edu/about/mission-goals-plans/index.shtml.
We value your interest and look forward to reviewing your application. For questions or more information, email: careerinfo@siue.edu.
Employer
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Address
1040 Rendleman Hall
Edwardsville, Illinois, 62026
To apply:
