Assistant Director of Development, Leadership Annual Giving

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development, Leadership Annual Giving is a key member of the University of Chicago Advancement team (Alumni Relations & Development) at the Harris School of Public Policy. This role is responsible for managing and executing key fundraising activities to increase annual giving participation among alumni and friends, with a particular emphasis on identifying, qualifying, and cultivating donor relationships at the Harris Society ($1,000+) level; overseeing reunion class giving and alumni weekend/reunion fundraising volunteer efforts; as well as serving as a collaborative partner and project manager for key development initiatives. This position requires occasional travel and evening and weekend work to accommodate donor meetings and events.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 2 years of experience in related fields (sales, grant writing, communications/marketing roles, alumni relations, recruiting/talent acquisition, stakeholder/relationship management, etc.)
Experience with frontline fundraising is highly preferred.
Volunteer management experience, particularly around driving peer-to-peer solicitation programs
Demonstrated success working in development and understanding of annual giving strategies, constituencies, methods, metrics, and best practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to articulate a compelling case for support.
Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and experience handling confidential information.
High energy level, enthusiasm, flexibility, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Familiarity with CRMs or donor management databases and basic reporting
Strong organizational ability, attention to detail, and project management experience.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team and to work cooperatively with other staff.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 150 - 200 leadership annual giving prospects, with a key focus on discovery, qualification, and solicitation of new donors.
Develop and execute individualized strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Lead milestone reunion class fundraising program by identifying and recruiting alumni volunteer committee members; developing solicitation communications as part of Harris’s overall marketing and communication strategy; maintaining committee cohesion and individual donor relationships with regular meetings, individual contacts, and fundraising updates; and ultimately executing on class-based giving strategies to maximize reunion giving.
Support and manage a range of stewardship initiatives for annual fund donors, including the implementation of program activities related to Harris Society member stewardship.
Serve as a strategic partner to internal colleagues on events related to, or involving, leadership donors and annual giving.
Identifies and qualifies prospects by aiding in expanding the pool of potential donors and participating in outreach events.
Manages a portfolio of prospective donors.
Works with others to maximize prospective donor cultivation.
Perform other associated duties and projects as assigned.