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Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Posting Category: E

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.

Application deadline: 4/20/2026

Annual Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Summary:
Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations will assist in designing strategies to broaden and strengthen UIS development activities. This role focuses on projects, our upcoming comprehensive campaign, advancement operations, collaboration across departments to ensure successful philanthropic outcomes, serves as the liaison between UIF and other units on campus, and acts as an executive advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement at UIS (VCA)/Sr. VP of the U of Illinois Foundation on certain occasions. This position will also have the responsibility of driving results from each staff member in the Division of Advancement, serve on the Vice Chancellor's Leadership Team, help set and execute Advancement's 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 assists
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

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree is required.

2. Five (5) years of administrative experience in higher education and/or advancement.

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Master’s degree

2. Ten (10) years of administrative experience in higher education and/or advancement.

3. Work experience in accounting and/or Human Resources

4. Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exhibit good judgment in making decisions in compliance with University policy.

5. Understands and adheres to the Association of Fundraising Professions Donor Bill of Rights.

Physical Demands:

Sitting : Frequently

Travel Requirements:
0% N/A

Employment Policies and other information:

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at [email protected] or call 217-206-6652.

***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***