Senior Vice President, Central Development Programs

The University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) seeks a strategic, collaborative, and highly versatile development leader to serve as the senior vice president (SVP) for central development programs and help shape and execute fundraising strategy across the University of Illinois System. The SVP will report to Foundation President James H. Moore, a nationally regarded thought leader in higher education advancement, and serve as a key member of UIF’s senior leadership team, driving philanthropic growth, enhancing donor engagement, and strengthening fundraising effectiveness in support of institutional priorities. The SVP will partner closely with university and advancement leaders to develop and implement high-impact strategies, programs, and services that strengthen fundraising effectiveness; play a critical coordinating role in future campaigns; enhance the donor experience; and maximize philanthropic support across the University of Illinois System.

The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising arm for the University of Illinois System. As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, it secures and stewards philanthropic support for all university system stakeholders. UIF operates from a position of considerable strength and momentum. In fiscal year 2026, the foundation achieved the most successful fundraising year in its history, securing $748.3 million in new business and $444.0 million in cash gifts. The foundation currently manages a $3.14 billion endowment pool.

As UIF looks towards its ambitious future, the SVP will provide visionary leadership for a comprehensive advancement enterprise, integrating people, processes, technology, and strategy to create a high-performing fundraising ecosystem. Through operational excellence, innovation, donor-centered engagement, and enterprise-wide collaboration, this leader will drive philanthropic growth, strengthen constituent relationships, and advance the university's mission and long-term strategic aspirations.

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the SVP will serve as a key member of the foundation's executive leadership team. This leader will partner closely with key stakeholders to strengthen alignment across a distributed fundraising enterprise, ensuring that advancement strategies, donor engagement efforts, and philanthropic priorities are integrated and positioned for long-term success. Simultaneously, the SVP will serve as an active major and principal gifts fundraiser, cultivating philanthropic partnerships and advancing the university's most significant priorities.

The SVP will oversee a 50-person team across several critical functions including gift planning and trust services, foundation relations, strategic innovation, major and principal gifts support, donor services, and board and donor engagement. As a strategic leader, the SVP will champion innovation, enhance operational effectiveness, leverage data-informed decision-making, and strengthen donor-centered programs that elevate fundraising performance across the system.

The expected salary for the position will be in the $275,000 - $325,000 range.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Grace Zakim, Kahn Lee, and Sandeep Kaur.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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 through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.