Department

ARD Prospect Identification & Research

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

Prospect Development and Decision Support (PDDS) is a team of quantitative and qualitative analysts, problem solvers, communicators, and educators working together to translate data and technology into actionable insight and strategy that maximizes fundraising results and builds organizational capacity.

Job Summary

This position develops and implements programs related to biographical and financial research on individuals, corporations, and/or foundations to support fund-raising. Identifies prospective donors using research and analysis through use of standard procedures. Forecasts and measures the effectiveness of the fiscal year and overall campaign progress.

Responsibilities

Serves as the main point of contact and strategic research partner to associate vice president (AVP) level staff, and Directors of Development (DOD) for assigned liaison areas.Oversees workflow of requests for DODs, AVPs, VPs, and as needed, cross-campus University leadership. Represents department and provides research support.Leverages Salesforce and associated technologies to improve the efficiency with which Alumini Relations and Development (ARD) provides research support to staff and leadership. Develops and implements processes for research deliverables and insight.Develops and oversees strategies to apply predictive modeling, analytics, and artificial intelligence to prospecting practices, in partnership with the Fundraising Performance Analytics team.Leads recommendations for future consideration for new prospect identification, including the pipeline for Advisory Councils and other leadership positions. Communicates, with discretion, regarding various prospecting efforts. Tracks these recommendations and study outcomes to further refine our processes.Develops a deep collaborative relationship with fundraising team leadership and individual gift officers. Develops and pursues shared objectives and goals for pool development within key pools.Acts as key strategist in pool development projects. Works closely with team members to discover new potential, timely solicitation for the existing pool, and develops deeper understanding of the way that individuals think about their philanthropy, especially at the time of wealth events.Researches, analyzes, and integrates diverse information and data from varied sources; collaborates with Prospect Management to determine the appropriate communication vehicles and strategies to effectively optimize pool, portfolio, and pipeline health.Serves as lead research analyst on trends in philanthropy and the economy. Applies this knowledge to prospecting processes and delivers insight to ARD through useful and actionable tools.Hires, manages, and evaluates staff. Trains research analyst(s) in research methodologies and department protocols for document production and management.Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions and with an eye towards broadly diversifying the advancement profession.Has a deep understanding of prospect research, prospect management, strategic planning and market research on donors prospects.Develops, maintains, and updates information on new and existing major gift prospects, solving complex problems as they arise.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree.Coursework in project management, business, finance, economics, analytics, library and information science, or non-profit management.

Experience:

Minimum five years of professional experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales or similar professional work experience.Minimum two years of experience leading a project team or managing staff.

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, Salesforce, Tableau, Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project.

Preferred Competencies

Build, lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team, and encourage growth and change in both people and programs. A strong commitment to personal and professional development, and foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.Self-motivated and take initiative.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.Work evenings and weekends as needed.This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$74,375.00 - $87,500.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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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