Director of Development - Major Gifts

Job Title: Director of Development – Major Gifts Department: University Advancement Reports to: Vice President of University Advancement Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 (based on qualifications and experience) Location: Lisle Campus Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Director of Development provides strategic leadership and execution of fundraising initiatives, with primary emphasis on major gifts while contributing to the success of annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and campaign priorities. The Director manages a portfolio of leadership-level prospects and donors, develops comprehensive cultivation and solicitation strategies, and collaborates across the University to advance a culture of philanthropy. This role requires a dynamic relationship-builder who is both strategic and execution-oriented, capable of engaging donors, volunteers, and institutional leaders in meaningful support of Benedictine University’s mission and priorities. Essential Job Responsibilities: 1. Major Gift Strategy and Portfolio Management Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and leadership gift prospects. Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 100–150 qualified prospects, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 and above. Create and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation plans, including coordination with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteers. Lead or support solicitations for significant gifts, including multi-year commitments and campaign investments. 2. Fundraising Program Execution Contribute to the development and execution of an integrated fundraising plan aligned with University priorities and campaign goals. Collaborate with colleagues across annual giving, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations to maximize philanthropic outcomes. Assist in the planning and execution of capital campaigns and targeted fundraising initiatives. 3. Planned Giving Program Leadership Design and lead a comprehensive planned giving program that supports long-term institutional sustainability. Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospects for estate gifts, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and blended gifts. Promote legacy giving through personal outreach, educational programming, events, print and digital communications, and stewardship initiatives. Oversee and grow the University’s legacy recognition society, honoring benefactors while respecting confidentiality preferences. Maintain accurate documentation and stewardship processes for all deferred gift commitments. 4. Donor Engagement and Stewardship Build and sustain meaningful, long-term relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and institutional partners. Ensure high-quality stewardship of donors, including timely acknowledgment, reporting on impact, and ongoing engagement opportunities. Partner with University leadership to deepen donor understanding of institutional priorities and opportunities for support. 5. Performance Management and Reporting Establish and meet annual fundraising goals, including metrics related to visits, solicitations, and dollars raised. Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and strategies in the University’s CRM (Raiser’s Edge). Utilize data and analytics to inform strategy, monitor progress, and adjust approaches as needed. 6. Advancement Team Leadership and Culture Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven Advancement team environment. Mentor junior staff or serve as a team lead on specific initiatives, as appropriate. Uphold best practices in fundraising, donor confidentiality, and ethical standards. Other Functions: 1. Adherence to all Benedictine University and University Advancement policies and procedures. Work independently and creatively within established guidelines, while at the same time functioning as a member of a team. 2. Attend departmental and University related meetings and events. 3. Strong leadership, administrative, planning and presentation skills, including oral and written communications. 4. Work in coordination with University offices and departments to coordinate and facilitate program needs, serve on University committees as needed. 5. Maintain high level of organization and ability to manage multiple tasks. 6. Ability to attain goals through knowledge of profession and professional development, as well as incorporate best practices into initiatives. 7. Ability to create a culture of collaboration with all campus constituents. 8. Employs sound project management practices, methodologies, and principles to accomplish work. 9. Proven ability to organize information; assess, utilize and navigate online platforms; and conduct detailed data analysis and develop reports based on data. 10. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations and matters with diplomacy and superior judgement. 11. Ability to complete high-level analysis of data. 12. Demonstrated analytical, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.