Eastern is looking to fill two positions responsible for soliciting major contributions from existing and new donor bases.

The two executive director of development positions will report to Jill Nilsen, vice president for external relations.

The new directors will concentrate on seeking out major donations, which Nilsen defined as those that exceed $10,000.

Nilsen said Eastern has lacked the funding to fill these positions for the past several years.

Phoebe Church, physical education department chair, has been chosen to chair the search committee. She said in an e-mail that a variety of factors will be used to evaluate candidates.

“The successful candidates will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a graduate degree preferred, and a minimum of three years of experience with evidence of consistent success,” Church said, noting that the positions are vital to the university’s goal of attracting donations.

She said both positions will be “responsible for managing all aspects of development with significant concentration on identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts.”

With those duties being considered, Church said, “The development officers must have excellent communication, interpersonal and team skills and a track record of success.”

Nilsen added that the candidates must also show commitment to the university.

The search began on Oct. 30 and will continue until the positions are filled, Church said.

In addition to Church, eight members fill the committee.

Those eight members include alumna Susan Young; Nancy Page, administrative aid for development; Michael Watts, Tarble Arts Center director; Martha Brown, acting dean, Lumpkin School of Business and Applied Sciences; student Marty Ruhaak; John B. Smith, assistant athletic director for development; Rob Miller, Office of Civil Rights associate director and Jon Laible, Eastern Illinois University Foundation executive director.

-Staff editor Pat Guinane contributed to this article.