Associate Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Director/Director, Development develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies designed to build meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and prospective donors. This position manages an assigned portfolio of approximately 150 prospects and donors, with a focus on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals whose philanthropic interests align with WGCU and University priorities. The Director collaborates with leadership and colleagues across the organization to understand funding needs, develop individualized donor strategies, and secure philanthropic support for high-priority projects and programs.
WGCU is Southwest Florida's source for PBS and NPR. A member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, WGCU provides educational programming that inspires, informs and engages our community. Serving all or part of 12 counties in south and Southwest Florida, with five distinct digital TV channels, two FM radio channels, two HD radio channels, and multiple websites, WGCU delivers national and international programming, and develops, produces and delivers relevant, informative and educational local programs to the region.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Develops fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives for the unit, including prospect identification, qualification, portfolio development, and relationship management.
• Prepares gift proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other materials for donors and prospects.
• Applies a moves-management and relationship-based fundraising approach to an assigned portfolio, developing individualized strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects based on their interests, capacity, and relationship with WGCU.
• Oversee the design of fundraising campaigns and communication plans with donors and prospective donors.
• Works cross-departmentally with WGCU and University colleagues to identify organizational priorities, understand funding needs, and develop philanthropic opportunities that align donor interests and institutional priorities.
• Participates in the development and coordination of special events and programs for donors and prospects.
• Maintains integrity of donor data and recommends appropriate coding to reflect donor information and interests.

Other Duties:

• Represents WGCU at donor and community events, meetings, and other engagement opportunities as needed to strengthen relationships, increase awareness of WGCU's mission and priorities, and support broader development efforts.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Associate Director, Development Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience with Advancement, fundraising, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying new funding donor sources.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Director, Development Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either eight years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience with Advancement, fundraising, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying new funding donor sources.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of the principles, best practices, trends, and legal constraints of fundraising and gift solicitation within higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to be a self-starter with documented results in building new programs and initiatives.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Demonstrated ability to write successful grant proposals.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present information in a meaningful manner.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and build positive and strategic relationships with colleagues, donors, and volunteers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
• Ability to travel locally and throughout the state and work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Associate Director, Development: Pay Grade 19

Director, Development: Pay Grade 20

Applicants will be evaluated for roles as either Associate Director, Development or Director, Development based on their qualifications.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.