JIM BURWITZ
Morton,IL
Summary
Proven leader and well-rounded expert in business development with a strong reputation as a strategic planner and effective communicator. Motivationally managing professional colleagues while adapting a collaborative and high-performing mindset. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of relationship development and enabling the creation of unique strategies to effectively address specific needs. Dedicated professional in the corporate sector consistently meeting company goals through the implementation of consistent and organized practices. Thrives under pressure and excels in adapting to new situations and challenges while striving to enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Annual Giving, Advancement
Knox College
- Current
- Developed, managed, and executed a comprehensive fundraising and communications strategy focused on annual-giving constituents and unrestricted donations in alignment with the college's $175 million Venture Boldly campaign
- Managed and trained a team of assistant directors responsible for athletics, young alumni, and reunion fundraising
- Managed and built relationships with a portfolio of 150 constituents located across the United States
- Collaborated with other leaders throughout the institution to drive efficiencies and process improvements
- Created and managed professional development programs for staff members
Vice President
Basic ITS
- Worked with the president and lead consultant to ensure optimal organizational performance and execution of all budgets, goals, and objectives
- Led all day-to-day aspects of the organization including but not limited to sales, HR, operations, communications, purchasing, logistics, and customer service
- Reduced expenses by more than 30 percent while increasing growth and profitability for all verticals including IT staffing, electronic security, commercial hardware sales, and service contracts
- Managed and fine-tuned all internal processes and support services for the organization including payroll, insurance, facility maintenance, human resources, and goal setting
Senior Business Development Manager
Afni
- Partnered with senior leaders to develop sales proposals and targeted opportunities for new business in the areas of customer service, collections, and insurance subrogation
- Developed sales presentations, lead generation content, training materials, budgets, and corporate responses for vendor inquiries
- Created, managed, and edited content for multiple corporate and industry communications and marketing vehicles including publications, websites, social media, case studies, videos, recruiting materials, and trade show materials
- Collaborated with sales team on prospect research, client testimonials, and communications best practices for data analytics, predictive modeling, and cost-benefit analysis
Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Relations
Pekin Hospital
- Responsible for all marketing, communications, advertising, media relations, budgets, and community relations
- Served as a member of the CEO's Administrative Council and assisted with strategic direction of the organization
- Served as editor of Checking In, the hospital's quarterly publication for patients, visitors, employees, and community partners
- Generated more than $100,000 per year in unpaid media/PR for the organization
- Increased awareness and outreach for the organization while reducing the marketing budget by more than $60,000 per year
Corporate Public Affairs Communications
Caterpillar
- Provided comprehensive communications support for the Caterpillar Foundation, Caterpillar Medical, Corporate Customer Services, Corporate HR, Workplace Violence Prevention Program, the Americas Threat Assessment Team, Global Diversity & Inclusion, and Social Activities & Services; developed and executed detailed communications plans for each group
- Served as editor, budget manager, and production manager for Cat Folks, Caterpillar's quarterly publication for employees and retirees; redesigned production and circulation procedures to reduce cost and improve efficiency
- Redesigned internal communications process for the Downtown Peoria Campus Emergency Response Team
Advancement & Community Relations Manager
University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Responsible for all programs, projects, budgets, processes, and events in the areas of marketing, communications, media relations/ PR, alumni affairs, and community relations
- Created and established media/communications strategies and procedures for the Peoria regional site; developed strong relationships with media outlets and vendors
- Generated more than $100,000 per year in unpaid media/PR for the College of Medicine
- Served as editor, writer, and production manager for alumni/community publications
- Managed and coordinated targeted marketing and community-outreach endeavors, including materials and programs for multiple U of I Foundation initiatives and donor projects
- Collaborated with regional sites, government entities, academic departments, faculty, student-support organizations, media outlets, area hospitals, civic groups, and community leaders
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Illinois Springfield
Timeline
Director of Annual Giving, Advancement
Knox College
- Current
Vice President
Basic ITS
Senior Business Development Manager
Afni
Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Relations
Pekin Hospital
Corporate Public Affairs Communications
Caterpillar
Advancement & Community Relations Manager
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Illinois Springfield
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