Description
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Chicago's largest and only public R1 research university, invites nominations and applications for the role of Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Senior Vice President of the UI Foundation (vice chancellor).
UIC’s mission is to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational, research, and clinical excellence. UIC lives this mission every day: 56% of our students are Pell grant eligible; more than half are first generation college students; our hospital and clinics provide world class care to some of the most underserved communities in Chicago. At the same time, our faculty bring in roughly half a billion dollars in research funding annually. We believe and have shown that access and excellence can thrive together.
UIC is recognized as a top tier public university and has one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation. Located in the heart of Chicago, it is an integral part of the educational, technological, and cultural fabric of one of the world’s greatest cities. With over 34,000 students, UIC prides itself as a national leader among public higher education institutions in providing access to an outstanding education across its 16 academic colleges, including one of the nation’s largest medical schools and Chicago’s first and only public law school. UIC is recognized nationally for its ability to advance social mobility and was recently named an Opportunity University by the Carnegie Foundation, recognizing the university for providing both higher access and higher earnings after graduation.
UIC also operates the state’s major academic health enterprise, the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health), along with a network of federally qualified clinics and regional health sciences campuses in Peoria, Rockford, and Urbana-Champaign. As Chicago’s only public research university, UIC solves real-world problems through innovation and discovery.
UIC seeks a mission-aligned and strategic leader with a passion and strong belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. This executive role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation’s most diverse and dynamic public research universities, deeply committed to access, excellence, and impact. Reporting directly to University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda and President & CEO of the University of Illinois Foundation Jim Moore, the vice chancellor will lead UIC’s advancement enterprise, aligning philanthropic strategy with institutional priorities to drive transformational growth. This leader will be instrumental in building a high-performing team, cultivating a culture of philanthropy across the university and beyond, and preparing for and executing a comprehensive capital campaign.
The vice chancellor will also work in close partnership with the University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation), fostering a highly collaborative and strategic relationship to maximize philanthropic impact. This leader will align UIC’s advancement goals with Foundation resources, expertise, and infrastructure, ensuring seamless coordination in donor engagement, stewardship, and campaign execution. Established in 1935, the University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving entity for the University of Illinois System's three universities. The Foundation’s mission is to encourage and administer private gifts and serve the UI System by working closely with alumni, faculty, corporations, foundations, and development staff to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University of Illinois comprehensively. Together, the vice chancellor and members of the University of Illinois Foundation will champion a unified vision for elevating UIC’s mission and impact.
The vice chancellor will use data-driven strategies and compelling storytelling to inspire philanthropic support across all levels of giving. They will develop and implement targeted approaches to identify, cultivate, and steward major and principal gift prospects, ensuring alignment with UIC’s strategic goals. In close partnership with university leadership, the vice chancellor will translate both short- and long-term institutional priorities into meaningful philanthropic opportunities and lead the planning and execution of major capital campaigns. A key aspect of the role will be building and mentoring a diverse and high-performing advancement team of roughly 120 FTE, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture. The vice chancellor will also cultivate strong internal and external relationships, engaging alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners to advance UIC’s mission.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of leading complex fundraising teams, preferably within higher education or academic medicine. They will have deep experience in major and principal gift strategy, with demonstrated success in securing transformational gifts. A strategic thinker, the candidate will possess the ability to align philanthropic planning with institutional priorities and inspire others through a clear and compelling vision. They will be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, skilled at engaging a wide range of stakeholders. Finally, the candidate will be an inspirational leader committed to team development and inclusive excellence. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and a minimum of 10 years of demonstrated leadership experience within a large, complex environment is required.
Salary Range: $375,000 – $440,000. Salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits: The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the State of Illinois offer competitive wages, benefit programs and resources for employees. Benefits offered by UIC include health care options, wellness programs, educational opportunities, tuition assistance, vacations, holidays and other leave benefits, and University retirement plans. Detailed information can be found on the System Human Resources website.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Illinois Chicago in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by Friday, October 24th.
Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to consultants Melissa Fincher, Mercedes Vance, and Jevon Walton at [email protected].
The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
