The University of Chicago's first president, William Rainey Harper, had a vision: that learning can, and should, be a lifelong pursuit.
Graham is the realization of that vision. Established as one of UChicago's three original divisions, our mission is to bring the University's intellectual resources and distinctive scholarly approach to a broader audience.
Job Summary
The Associate Director, Advancement is a key leader in the Graham School's fundraising efforts. This role fosters a culture of philanthropy in support of Graham's mission of lifelong learning and serves as University liaison to and relationship manager for alumni, lifelong learners, and community members.
This position manages programs designed to meet University 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
Identifies, cultivates, and solicits Graham alumni, learners, and community members.
Plans and executes an agreed upon target number of prospect visits per year, major gift solicitations, and fundraising dollar target.
Builds and manages a portfolio of 100-150 prospects by qualifying prospects through email, phone and in person communication.
Plans and executes strategies to engage donors who have the capacity for making gifts at the major gift and leadership annual gift.
Solicits annual and endowed support in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, Dean, program and academic team members.
Determines timely cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects in portfolio.
Arranges for prospects to meet with appropriate leadership, instructors, and staff when needed as part of a cultivation strategy.
Cultivates and maintains strong and collegial relationships with various University fundraisers and regional gift officers to ensure a coordinated approach to strengthening the prospect's or donor's relationship with Graham.
Delivers timely and effective follow-up in various forms to prospects and donors, which would include generating customized fundraising proposals.
Writes timely contact reports for prospect database following prospect and donor visits.
Serves as a key partner for stewardship of major gift donors and planned giving donors to the School.
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.
Identifies, analyzes, and qualifies donor interest to maximize giving. Helps 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 with Senior Leadership, Officers and Deans to design strategic objectives and action steps that will lead to the successful realization of these projects.
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
Experience:
Professional work experience in fundraising, development, alumni relations, and/or donor relations.
Proven record of accomplishment in solicitations and cultivation of prospective donors.
Preferred Competencies
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-motivation and the ability to take initiative.
Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
Translate research into language accessible for the public.
Participate personally in gift strategies and solicitations.
An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.
Strong commitment to DEIB.
Flexible and adaptable to new programs in an emerging and changing environment.
Embrace the mission and vision of the Graham School and become knowledgeable about the work across the School to connect meaningfully with alumni, lifelong learners, and friends.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe 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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