Lauren Dodge
Human-Centered Leader | Seasoned Philanthropic Advisor | Higher Education and Nonprofit Executive
- Role
- Director of Civic Engagement and Leadership Development at Illinois College
- Location
- Springfield, IL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Lauren Dodge
Strategic and values-driven leader with a passion for building high-performing teams, meaningful partnerships, and mission-centered institutions. I bring 20 years of experience in higher education, cultural institutions, and nonprofit leadership where I’ve led transformative fundraising, engagement, and community impact efforts totaling over $50M in philanthropic support.Currently, I work at the intersection of civic engagement, leadership development, and equity-centered programming, helping empower individuals and communities to lead with purpose, inclusivity, and impact. My experience includes designing and guiding initiatives that build more just, informed, and connected civic ecosystems, particularly across higher education, public institutions, and nonprofit sectors.From my experience as a senior advancement executive, I have deep expertise in principal and major gifts, campaign strategy, and donor engagement—paired with a proven ability to align fundraising with institutional vision and values. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with donors to fund projects that advance education, culture, and community, from endowed faculty positions and capital improvements to exhibitions and student scholarships.My academic background includes a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, with research interests in leadership, organizational development, and philanthropic behavior, and an M.S. in Library & Information Science. I’m trained in strategic planning, program evaluation, marketing, relationship management, qualitative research, and technical writing - all tools I use to build sustainable, high-impact organizations.Beyond my professional life, I’m a small business owner, longtime community volunteer, and historic home enthusiast. My partner and I have completed multiple home renovation and restoration projects that reflect our love for preservation, design, and the thoughtful stewardship of place.I thrive at the intersection of mission and strategy, and am always seeking opportunities to foster growth, build community, and make meaningful, equity-driven change.
Experience
Director of Civic Engagement and Leadership Development
Jan 2024 — Present · Jacksonville, IL, US
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Science (M.S.)
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