Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Position Title: Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Department: Division of Advancement

Organization: University of Illinois Springfield

Salary range: $75,000-$85,000/year

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Division of Advancement is hiring a Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, this role will focus on projects, the university's upcoming comprehensive campaign, division operations, and collaboration across departments to ensure successful philanthropic outcomes. This position will act as an executive assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement at UIS (VCA)/Sr. VP of the U of Illinois Foundation on certain occasions. This position will serve on the Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Team, help set and execute strategy/vision, serve as a bridge between the Vice Chancellor of Advancement and the advancement staff, and help to optimize the organizational structure.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees the Advancement Business Operations Team in consultation with the VCA and AVCs.
• Identify, assess, analyze, and design appropriate strategies for approaching prospects and donors and making the vitally important match between donors’ philanthropic interests and the academic priorities of UIS. Plan and implement effective outreach and cultivation activities to enhance prospect identification and move solicitation and stewardship processes forward.
• Develop and maintain close collaborative partnerships with faculty and staff to gain a strong knowledge of academic and research programs in order to identify and define priorities to be funded through private support. Partner closely with other advancement professionals across campus/units, including gift officers and corporate relations professionals.
• Manages internal and external campaign committees, develops and implements campaign strategies aligned with UIS goals, and coordinates campaign timelines and deliverables. Also, monitors campaign progress and provide regular updates to leadership.
• Provide strategic advice and administrative support to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement including but not limited to: Collaborate with all Advancement and Alumni teams to ensure compliance with deadlines and cohesiveness. Represent the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement at internal and external meetings and forums as needed and assist in relationship building in the community. Serve as strategic advisor to VCA, assisting with special initiatives, projects and high-level meetings.
• Leads quality improvement efforts for Division of Advancement, driving projects/business growth, and maximizing efficiencies.

Ideal Competencies of a Successful Candidate

Master’s degree Ten (10) years of administrative experience in higher education and/or advancement Work experience in accounting and/or Human Resources Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exhibit good judgment in making decisions in compliance with University policy. Understanding of and adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professions Donor Bill of Rights.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Five (5) years of administrative experience in higher education and/or advancement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong communication skills Computer skills: mastery with creation and analysis of computer-generated databases, spreadsheets, preparation of charts, graphs, and computer-generated visual program. Microsoft programs: Excel and Word

Documents required

Completed online application Cover letter Resume/CV Three professional references with complete contact information

Travel Requirements

None/Minimal

Additional Responsibilities

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Nothing restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. All employees are required to complete mandatory training by established deadlines (including, but not limited to, annual ethics training and sexual harassment training).

UIS Benefit Programs

Choice of competitive health insurance plans, a dental plan, flexible spending plans, several types of term life insurance, long-term disability insurance, supplemental investment programs, and additional optional offerings.

Tuition Waivers - Employees and their children may be eligible. Leave - sick time, shared benefits leave, vacation time, floating holidays, several paid holidays, and other opportunities to take time away from work when necessary. Work-life balance programs – Be Well Illinois, Recreation and Wellness Programs, Adoption Benefit, Smoking Cessation Program, Weight-Loss Benefit, State Employee Assistance Programs. See UIS Employee Benefits & Leave for a complete list and explanation of employee benefits and leave.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UIS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive campus community. Persons with disabilities, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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