JOBS AT EIU

Associate Director of Gift Administration

University Development – Position Announcement
Associate Director of Gift Administration
 

Position Overview:

Eastern Illinois University is seeking an Associate Director of Gift Administration. Reporting to the Executive Officer of the EIU Foundation, this position supports both the University and the EIU Foundation in fulfilling their responsibilities for donor-funded gift compliance by ensuring gift and endowment funds are created, managed, and expended in accordance with donor intent and that administrative obligations of the gift agreement are met. This position advises campus partners on matters related to gift compliance such as the interpretation of criteria and other donor restrictions contained in gift agreements and pledge documents. In the event an endowment or other donor agreement must be amended, this position shall facilitate the amendatory process and secure the needed approvals. The position participates in the formulation of gift acceptance policies and monitors adherence to said policies. In addition, they are also responsible for managing the University’s gift documentation strategy in accordance with the EIU Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Policies and appropriate University policies such as Naming Policies.

Responsibilities:

• Gift Documentation – Oversees the successful creation, review, and approval process for donor agreements and pledges with Eastern Illinois University’s frontline officers and academic leaders as appropriate. Uphold guidelines set forth in the EIU Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Policies and appropriate University policies such as Naming Policies regarding acceptable restrictions on donor funds. This position assists campus partners with questions related to endowments and other donor gift agreements and is empowered to interpret donor criteria and other restrictions on use of donor gifts. This position will facilitate the development of endowments, pledges and other donor agreements, circulating drafts to appropriate parties on campus who will administer the gifts to obtain buy-in and secure the needed approvals from Foundation and Advancement colleagues before agreements are finalized. Stores and organizes signed gift agreements in shared and secure servers and paper files and ensures they are disseminated to the appropriate campus partners.
• Fund Compliance – Oversees compliance for all restricted donor-funded gift accounts and serves as the primary contact for internal inquiries about compliance and accountability issues for all established donor funded accounts. Responsible for preparing materials for consideration by the University’s Naming Committee and the EIU Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Committee.
• Fund Auditing – Partners with the Business Office, Office of Financial Aid, and others to regularly audit existing donor funds to ensure donor intent is followed. This could include reviews of funds with accumulated spending and low utilization, funds that do not have a balance, endowed funds below minimum balances, and funds that have not had any recent activity, among other scenarios.
• Education and Awareness – Collaborate and maintain positive working relationships with university leadership, the Business Office, unit office managers, development officers, and the donor relations teams to facilitate an effective compliance program. Supports ongoing communication and education on the use of restricted gift fund and clarifying donor intent with fund administrators. Fields questions regarding the allowable use/expenses for gift and endowment accounts including requests for release or modification of endowment and gift restrictions that have become impracticable to fulfill.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced certification preferred.
• Three years or more of relevant experience in one of the following or closely related fields: gift and endowment accounting and management, audit and compliance, or higher education. Experience with drafting contracts or other documentation.
• Ability to think critically about future implications of word use, academic and/or extracurricular program evolution, and potential policy changes to proactively anticipate change.
• Strong interpersonal and written communications skills with demonstrated attention to detail; listen well and effectively express thoughts and ideas.
• Ability to coordinate people and handle multiple deadline-driven projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional customer-donor service and can build trust with a variety of constituents.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills required.
• Tact, discretion, and prudence in working with confidential and sensitive data.
• Computer software skills, including Microsoft Office, and knowledge of nonprofit database systems.
• Think critically and exercise mature judgement in identifying problems and generating alternative solutions.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and respect for all colleagues even in situations where there are differing thoughts and opinions.
• Work smart and constantly seek to improve and streamline.

Salary/Pay Rate Range:

$4,000 to $4,583 per month depending on qualifications

Application Instructions:

A complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Send application materials to Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/171950. Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding this search, please contact Search Committee Chair Nancy Murray at nmurray@eiu.edu. 

Benefits Overview:

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals. This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options. 
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children. 
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/benefits.php.                               

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success. The University is located in East Central Illinois, combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. 

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community