THE SEARCH

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). 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.

Reporting jointly to the recently appointed University Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell, Jr. of the Urbana-Champaign campus and the President of the University of Illinois Foundation James H. Moore, Jr., 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 campus-wide 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 VC/SVP will shape and drive a long-term vision for advancement that is both donor-centric and directly aligns with institutional priorities and national trends in higher education advancement and philanthropy. They will collaborate closely with the Chancellor,

Provost, deans, directors, and Foundation leadership to ensure a balanced and effective approach to centralized and decentralized advancement efforts. The VC/SVP will also provide strategic oversight for cross-campus initiatives and multidisciplinary centers that transcend individual colleges and departments, ensuring that both campus-wide and unit-specific goals are achieved.

Candidates should possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement or a related field, with a proven record of success in major and principal gift fundraising, campaign leadership, and building high-performing, mission-driven teams. They should have strong operational and financial management skills, including experience overseeing budgets, optimizing advancement infrastructure, and leveraging data analytics, including predictive fundraising tools and performance dashboards, to drive decision-making and assess outcomes. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to navigate a complex, matrixed academic and foundation environment, building trust and collaborative relationships with the Chancellor, Foundation leadership, senior academic and administrative leaders, key volunteers, staff, alumni, and other constituents.

Candidates should also exhibit exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to articulate the mission, culture, achievements, and aspirations of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Foundation to internal and external audiences. They should be adept at leading through influence and collaboration, empowering teams across all levels, setting clear goals and expectations, and fostering a culture of transparency, performance, and professional development. A demonstrated ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and steward principal and transformational gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations is essential. Finally, candidates must be flexible to travel domestically and internationally, work evenings or weekends as needed, and hold at minimum a bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree strongly preferred.

ROLE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR + SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT:

The VC/SVP will lead and mentor a large, high-performing team focused on building relationships and securing philanthropic support from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations. They will personally manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, actively engaging in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. They should bring demonstrated experience leading multi-year, multi-million dollar comprehensive or capital campaigns, with proven ability to inspire and mobilize internal and external stakeholders. In addition, they will work closely with boards of trustees, campaign committees, and other volunteer leadership groups to advance fundraising goals and foster a culture of philanthropy.

This role requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including the Alumni Association, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, Office of Corporate Relations, and other partners to ensure cohesive messaging and outreach. The VC/SVP will be expected to utilize data and analytics to evaluate performance, inform strategy, and drive continuous improvement. They will also develop and implement strategies for national and international alumni and donor engagement, reflecting the global reach of the university.

A forward-thinking approach to innovation is essential, including the ability to leverage emerging technologies, digital platforms, and data analytics to enhance donor engagement and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will demonstrate cultural competence and a strong commitment to inclusive philanthropy, engaging diverse communities and advancing equity across all advancement functions. They must also bring exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the political acumen to navigate complex institutional environments and build trust across diverse constituencies.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

The VC/SVP will be a leader of a major enterprise for one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a research, comprehensive land-grant institution whose mission is to provide strong undergraduate and graduate education programs. The campus research portfolio includes funding from all major federal research agencies, and the university regularly leads the nation in National Science Foundation funding. The Illinois campus community includes approximately 35,500 undergraduate students, 19,900 graduate and professional students, 2,010 tenured/tenure track faculty members, 16,500 academic professionals and staff members.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Isaacson, Miller is assisting the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Foundation in the search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately, and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date. No hiring decision will be made until after the close of the search. For full consideration, materials should be provided by October 31, 2025; however, materials will be considered until the position is filled.

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. Nominations should include the name, position, address, and telephone number. Application materials should include a letter outlining qualifications, current vitae, and the names and contact information for five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and vitae should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website.

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.

Requisition ID: 1032645
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu