Department
 

Harris School Development

About the Department
 

Why policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking, fearlessly questioning the status quo. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact. With passion and precision, we figure out what’s best for society—and get it done. This is Harris Public Policy: Social impact, down to a science.

Job Summary
 

The Assistant Director of Leadership Annual Giving is a key member of the Harris development team who possesses a keen understanding of the principles of fundraising and can speak to prospects persuasively about the case for annual giving support. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Assistant Director is responsible for the identification, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective donors, while building a robust pipeline of future major gift donors.

Responsibilities

Builds and manages a portfolio of individual prospects and donors with an annual fundraising goal. Reports to and coordinates this activity with the Harris Director of Development. Identifies, cultivates, and solicits prospective donors who have the capacity to make financial commitments of $1,000 to $25,000.

Collaborates with staff throughout ARD to increase leadership annual gift activity and maximize prospective donor cultivation. Focuses on keeping Harris prospects and donors involved and informed of ongoing projects and developments at the University. Links prospects with events such as lectures, conferences, and public forums.  

Conducts virtual and in-person meetings to qualify new prospects and segments of the alumni pool. Maintains a strong focus on stewardship and increased gifts from current donors. Determines thoughtful cultivation and solicitation strategies. Seeks and uncovers potential for planned or estate gifts.

In collaboration with team colleagues, ensures that individual prospects are thanked in a personalized and expert manner. Coordinates stewardship efforts with the donor relations team.

Supports a comprehensive reunion giving program for multiple class reunions simultaneously, routinely meeting donor fundraising and participation targets.

Identifies and recruits alumni from a set of reunion classes to serve as reunion volunteers and maintains committee cohesion with regular individual contacts, conference calls, and routine fundraising updates. Creates and maintains a positive volunteer experience for committee members by offering exceptional support service.

Organizes and executes donor meetings and follow-up for self, the Director of Development, Dean, and others, which includes partnering with staff to generate briefings, solicitation plans, gift documentation, and gift recognition plans.

Works closely with the director on implementation of strategic events and alumni relations programming, including Reunion and regional engagement.

Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.

Identifies and qualifies prospects by aiding in expanding the pool of potential donors and participating in outreach events. Manages a portfolio of prospective donors.

Writes timely and strategic correspondences to advance relationships.

Works with others to maximize prospective donor cultivation.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

Minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar professional work experience.

Knowledge of managing gift prospects.

Experience in prospect management, research and/or other advancement services.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid driver’s license.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Competencies

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write effectively.

Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.

Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

Working Conditions

This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.

Standard office environment.

Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.

Travel once a quarter will be expected.

Work evenings and weekends as needed.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)

Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Alumni Relations & Development

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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