Vice President for Advancement

Overview

Illinois Tech is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as our next Vice President for Advancement to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the university by leading a comprehensive advancement program with a specific focus on cultivating a culture of innovation and philanthropy.

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Advancement is a member of the President's Cabinet and is responsible for the successful planning, cultivation, and execution of all fundraising, alumni and constituent relations, and campaign management efforts for the University, as well as advising the president on all matters pertaining to advancement including board, alumni and donor relations.

The Vice President works closely with the President, Provost, President's Cabinet, Academic Deans, the Board of Trustees, Institutional Advancement and Campaign Committee, other Standing Committees, and Advisory Boards in crafting compelling narratives and value propositions to showcase the university's rising trajectory to various stakeholders thereby attracting philanthropic support.

The right candidate will be innovative, strategic, entrepreneurial, and adaptable. Able to address shifting priorities and challenges.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy:

• Provide leadership to the advancement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, philanthropy, high performance and respect. Mentor and develop a high-performing team.
• Set a fundraising strategy that aligns with the University's mission, vision, and strategic goals. As well as supporting other administrative officers, academic deans, institute directors, standing committees, and advisory boards by providing communications and marketing initiatives.
  
  

Fundraising and Advancement:

• Oversee the university advancement goals by fundraising for capital campaigns, principal, major and planned gifts, alumni relations, and donor relations and stewardship of the University's seven colleges, institutes and the Mies van der Rohe society.
• The Vice President will be essential in building new and innovative networks critical to making a profound impact on our $1 billion Power the Difference campaign goal, and facilitating programs surrounding the development and expansion of alumni relations, improving the University's visibility and reputation, and cultivating relationships with major donors, alumni, corporate partners and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the advancement budget. Monitor and report on the progress of advancement initiatives, and ensure good return on investment.
• Directly support the President's communications and travel requirements for national and international alumni and philanthropic prospects. As well as all other duties as assigned by the President.
  
  

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred);
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, fundraising, and alumni relations;
• Five to 10 years of senior-level leadership and management experience, preferably in a higher education environment or similarly sophisticated non-profit or relationship building environment;
• Proven track record of achieving fundraising goals;
• Experience leading and managing a significant comprehensive campaign;
• Proven commitment to diversity and inclusion;
• Demonstrated strategic and creative thinker who is results-oriented with a collaborative, proactive style;
• Ability to provide required leadership in a decentralized environment;
• Demonstrated success and analytical aptitude in the development and implementation of a wide range of communications for diverse alumni;
• Effective communication skills required to interact with internal and external stakeholders at a variety of levels;
• Exceptional relationship management skills are required; and
• Must have a high degree of personal initiative, and proven interpersonal and team skills.
  
  

Additional Information

The Vice President for Advancement will operate on a hybrid schedule with 60% of time spent in office and 40% working remotely. Occasional off-site events to engage with donors, alumni, and trustees will be required.

Travel may be required approximately 20% of the time.