Director/Senior Director of Development (AP27-024) in Edwardsville, Illinois at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Director/Senior Director of Development (AP27-024)

The Opportunity

Southern 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 Context

SIUE: Shaping the Future of Our Region

For 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.

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

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.

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 Visas

SIUE 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.

E-Verify

SIUE is not currently enrolled in or participating in the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify program.

SIUE does not use E-Verify to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees through the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security databases. Therefore, the University cannot legally employ individuals who are on OPT STEM Extension, as we cannot provide an E-Verify case number, participation confirmation, or related documentation.

SIUE complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements, including completion and maintenance of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for all employees as required under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

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 .

EEO Statement

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an equal opportunity employer and thus prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veterans status.

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 employees 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;