Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Senior Vice President of the UI Foundation

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in partnership with the University of Illinois Foundation, seeks a strategic, innovative and accomplished advancement leader to serve as Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Senior Vice President (VC/SVP) of the University of Illinois Foundation. This dual-role position is central to shaping and executing a bold, integrated advancement strategy that supports the mission and long-term aspirations of one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

The VC/SVP will join recently appointed University Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell, Jr.  at the outset of his tenure, and dually report to the Chancellor and Foundation President James H. Moore, Jr.— a seasoned, nationally-regarded thought leader in higher education advancement. The VC/SVP will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive advancement program in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment. This includes a strategic operating plan with clear priorities, measurable goals and innovative fundraising strategies aligned with the university’s academic and research excellence. The individual will serve as the primary liaison between the Urbana-Champaign campus and the University of Illinois Foundation, overseeing the organization, execution and management of campuswide fundraising campaigns and advancement initiatives. This individual will also serve as a key member of both the Chancellor’s and Foundation President’s leadership teams, contributing to institution-wide strategy and decision-making. 

The university has an operating budget of $3.17 billion and the SVP/VC will manage an advancement division that raised roughly $560.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025. Within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (OVCIA), there are 61 FTEs plus an additional 97 with dual appointments and dual funding. In total, 277 advancement staff are employed across the university with different reporting lines, including through schools and units.

Candidates should possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible advancement leadership experience, with a proven record of success in major and principal gift fundraising, campaign leadership and building high-performing and mission-driven teams. Experience leading through collaboration, empowering teams and aligning with academic leadership is essential. Strong operational and financial management skills, including experience overseeing budgets and optimizing advancement infrastructure, are also required. The ideal candidate should have a deep appreciation for the mission of a major research university and a visible, engaged presence in both the university and broader community. A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree is strongly preferred. 
 
Jack Gorman is leading this search with Grace Zakim and Sandeep Kaur.

The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $375,000 - $425,000 annually. Final compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. 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. The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.