Joseph Volin, Ed.D. is a mission-driven advancement leader with more than 15 years of experience building data-informed, relationship-centered fundraising and engagement programs across higher education and nonprofit organizations. He brings a collaborative, results-oriented approach grounded in strategy, storytelling, and a deep commitment to inclusive philanthropy.
Joe currently serves as Associate Vice President for Constituent Engagement at Illinois Institute of Technology, where he leads engagement strategy, unrestricted giving, and volunteer leadership as part of the university’s $1 billion comprehensive campaign. In this role, he oversees alumni relations, annual giving, and advisory boards. Under his leadership, Illinois Tech has increased unrestricted support, expanded its advisory board, and activated hundreds of volunteer leaders.
Previously, Joe served as Senior Director of Constituent Engagement and Director of Alumni Engagement, where he led a comprehensive alumni and annual giving operation that resulted in strong increases in engagement and a 263% increase in annual giving revenue. His work has consistently focused on designing scalable engagement strategies, strengthening donor pipelines, and using analytics to inform decision-making and forecasting.
Joe is widely recognized for his expertise in alumni engagement metrics, survey design, and program assessment. He has published and presented nationally through CASE and other professional organizations on engagement analytics, board governance, and donor strategy. He was named to Almabase’s 50 Under 50 in 2023 for innovation and leadership in advancement.
In addition to his professional work, Joe has taught extensively in graduate programs in organizational leadership, higher education administration, and nonprofit management. He holds a Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education with a cognate in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University, where his doctoral research examined the relationship between undergraduate involvement and long-term alumni engagement.
