Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement

Job Details

Build Relationships. Inspire Engagement. Drive Philanthropic Growth.

Illinois State University is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement to help shape the next chapter of alumni connection, donor engagement, and philanthropic growth.

This is a unique opportunity to bring together alumni engagement, annual giving, and donor stewardship under a unified strategy that strengthens relationships, grows donor support, and creates lasting impact.

University Advancement is entering an exciting period of growth and momentum. The division recently achieved a record $44.5 million fundraising year, has grown the University's endowment from $78 million to more than $265 million over the past decade, and is preparing for the public phase of a comprehensive campaign that will help define Illinois State's future.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Assistant Vice President will lead a newly integrated department responsible for alumni engagement, annual giving, and donor stewardship. This leader will help shape strategy, build a high-performing team, strengthen relationships with alumni and donors, and play a key role in preparing Illinois State for its next era of philanthropic growth.

The successful candidate will help strengthen the pipeline of engaged alumni and donors that will advance Illinois State's ambitious vision and fuel its next chapter of philanthropic growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement will lead a newly integrated department responsible for:

• Alumni Engagement
• Annual Giving
• Donor Stewardship

This leader will:

• Build and execute a comprehensive engagement strategy that strengthens alumni connection and philanthropic participation
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team focused on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement
• Expand the pipeline of engaged alumni and donors who will support Illinois State's future priorities
• Help position the University for success as it enters the next phase of campaign activity
• Create a donor-centered experience that deepens relationships and inspires lifelong engagement
• Serve as a key member of the University Advancement leadership team and contribute to divisional strategy and performance

Review of applications will begin after 2026-06-17. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. To learn more, view the complete position description and submit an application, visit Illinois State University's employment website at Job Posting #521908, https://jobsearch.illinoisstate.edu/en-us/job/521908/assistant-vice-president-for-alumni-and-donor-engagement.