Director, Advancement, Graham School

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Director

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Advancement at the Graham School of the University of Chicago is responsible for directing the vision and strategy for the school's fundraising efforts. This role involves establishing comprehensive fundraising goals, designing strategies to meet those goals, and leading efforts to cultivate and close gifts from major gift prospects. The director will also manage the fundraising team, oversee donor stewardship, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure alignment with the school's program goals.

Responsibilities

• Directs the vision and strategy for the Graham School's fundraising efforts in partnership with the Dean.
• Establishes comprehensive fundraising goals and priorities, designing strategies to meet those goals.
• Leads efforts to cultivate and close gifts with major gift prospects.
• Stewards existing, long-time donors and oversees the Graham Circle giving society.
• Manages the fundraising team, encouraging professional development among staff members.
• Plans and executes a target number of prospect visits and major gift solicitations per year.
• Arranges meetings for prospects with appropriate leadership and staff as part of cultivation strategies.
• Collaborates with leaders across the School to align fundraising strategy with program goals.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with University fundraisers and regional gift officers.
• Leads the preparation of annual development reports assessing progress toward goals.
• Participates in the development of the fiscal year operating budget and manages program or event budgets.

Requirements

• Proven record of accomplishment in solicitations and cultivation of prospective donors.
• Experience managing a team and empowering that team to achieve ambitious objectives.

Nice-to-haves

• Strategic insight on fundraising and deepening a long-term philanthropic culture.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative.
• Strong project management skills with attention to detail.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
• Flexibility and adaptability to new programs in a changing environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities