JOBS AT EIU

Director of Advancement Operations

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for Director of Advancement Operations. This position, reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) and serving on the EIU Advancement leadership team, is responsible for strategic enablement and advancement operations. This role acts as an internal consultant and partner across the division, ensuring that systems, data, and processes are human-centered and designed to maximize the capacity of our organization and our people. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, innovative, detail-oriented and data-driven advancement professional who will establish new operational standards and participate in the creation of new fundraising strategies as we prepare to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign. This position will also serve as our key data, metrics, and analytics strategist and will play a key role in the management of our new CRM.

This position is responsible for the development and execution of organizational strategy and advancement procedures including, but not limited to, data integrity and translation, data-informed performance analytics and goal setting structures, systems to support campaigns and moves management, counting and reporting standards, and operational effectiveness. In collaboration with the VP and Advancement Leadership Team, this position also serves as the point person for people and culture work within advancement, including oversight of advancement onboarding and professional development initiatives.

Job Duties

• Develop, implement, and maintain advancement operational policies, procedures and resources, including process documentation, prospect management, fundraising and records management policies, job aids, strategic plans, proposal templates, resources for colleges and other stakeholders, and more
• In partnership with the Advancement Stewardship Committee and the Director of Strategic Communications, design and facilitate a gift acknowledgement ecosystem that ensures high-impact donor recognition
• Help establish and provide oversight for annual advancement goal setting, metrics and analysis, portfolio performance evaluation, fundraising campaigns, and centralized and unit-specific annual planning
• Center the individual contributor experience in the creation of new workflows and CRM features, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for performance and collaboration
• Serve as a proactive problem-solver who identifies operational bottlenecks and works collaboratively across the division to implement solutions that enhance organizational capacity
• Serve as lead advancement CRM manager and data strategist, overseeing our CRM, data requests and projects, data reporting and analysis, data utilization for actionable insights, CRM partner solutions, and the implementation of new CRM features and solutions
• Oversee the creation and implementation of advancement hiring, talent management, and professional development strategies
• Establish centralized systems focused on comprehensive advancement and campaign goal setting and tracking, strategic and innovative short- and long-term planning, and operational needs and best practices
• Provide budgetary and business operations oversight for all areas of advancement
• Supervise and support the Advancement Operations team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
• A minimum of seven years of experience in either higher education advancement or a not-for-profit fundraising organization
• Demonstrated experience in change management or organizational development within a complex, matrixed organization
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, or other CRM software
• Experience building, refining, and measuring new operational strategies and processes
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
• Experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Advancement CRM implementation experience
• Supervisory experience
• Advancement data experience
• Experience working in multiple functional areas of advancement
• Campaign experience
• Experience with “Leading without Authority”—the ability to influence and drive strategic outcomes across departments where you have no direct reporting lines
• Demonstrated ability to positively represent EIU in visits with alumni, donors and constituents
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Demonstrated understanding of all functional areas of an advancement organization, preferably in a higher education environment
• Knowledge of advancement data, analysis and KPIs, and reporting
• Ability to operate at the intersection of data, systems, and people to drive institutional results
• A service-oriented mindset with a focus on “internal customer” satisfaction
• Strong active listening and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit exceptional judgement      

Salary Range: $77,000 - $82,000

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.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin on March 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references (one must be from a past or present supervisor) to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/182284. For questions regarding the position, please contact James Brosam, Search Committee Chair, at jebrosam@eiu.edu.

The University and Community

Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented.

The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.

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.

Eastern Illinois University provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, applicants for employment, and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes, is strictly prohibited. 

The University further commits to a program of affirmative action as prescribed by statute to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with a disability and qualified protected veterans (disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans).