Department
 

ARD Individual Giving & Arts

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.

The Regional Advancement and Individual Giving (Regional Advancement) Team leads a comprehensive collaborative campus-wide program that deeply engages the community of UChicago alumni, parents, and friends with a focus on raising significant philanthropic support for the University’s top priorities, academic units, and faculty and students across the campus ecosystem.

The Central Region Team, working closely with ARD leadership and colleagues across the ARD ecosystem, and in partnership with University leadership and academic divisions is responsible for developing, executing, and coordinating the University’s strategic advancement program for the Central Region of the United States with a goal of building a robust and sustainable donor pipeline through curated meaningful engagement opportunities and delivering $10M+ or more in fundraising progress annually from the region.

Job Summary
 

This position has deep knowledge and expertise in leading programs designed to meet fundraising goals for contributed income. Serves as strategist of efforts to secure gifts and build relationships with alumni, faculty, administrators and organizations with potential to make gifts. Develops communication strategies for projects.

Responsibilities

Manages a personal fundraising portfolio of high net worth donors and prospects consisting of 100+ individuals or families with a capacity and inclination to make major ($100k+) and principal gifts ($5M+) to the University.Plans and executes a target of 18+ major gifts solicitations ($100K+) per year, with 90+ corresponding prospect visits.Provides leadership and management for multiple fundraising professionals ensuring work is prioritized appropriately and that portfolio activity meets expectations.Works closely with the Associate Vice President to establish fundraising goals and objectives and evaluation of progress towards to goals.May brief senior level administrators in preparation for contact with prospects.Achieves fundraising and activity goals monthly, quarterly and annually.Identifies and cultivates new relationships with alumni, parents and friends who have significant capacity.Works closely with unit directors of development, Deans, Officers, Faculty Directors, and other University leadership to help shape and implement regional fundraising plans and drive activity on behalf of these campus partners.Plans, briefs and may accompanies University leadership (Deans, Officers, Faculty Directors, etc.) on prospect and donor visits as appropriate.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.Establishes fundraising goals and priorities based on department objectives, designs strategies to meet those goals, and monitors progress against goals. Manages a portfolio of current and potential donors.Identifies, analyzes, and qualifies donor interest to maximize giving. Assists with overall planning efforts for the University's most important prospects. Works independently to develop communication strategies for projects, including publications and public presentations.Works closely with Senior Leadership, Officers and Deans to design strategic objectives and action steps that will lead to the successful realization of these projects.May brief senior level administrators in preparation for contact with prospects.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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree.

Experience:

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

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

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 Griffin (the University's Donor Relationship Management System), Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Preferred Competencies

Skilled in data analysis and communicating complex topics to non-technical people.Manage cross-team projects.Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Explain complex ideas clearly and simply.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 attention to 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 (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

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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