Laboratory Schools: Associate Director of Development Communications

University of Chicago • Blaine, MN

264d • $41,725 - $54,000

About The Position

The Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) department at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Lab) is recruiting talented and energetic advancement professionals at an exciting moment in the Schools' history. Alumni and Parents are proud to be affiliated with the 127-year school and eager to support its world-class programs through philanthropic investment. The Associate Director of Development Communications will consult on the strategy, project management, and implementation of Lab's department-wide engagement and fundraising communications to parents and families, alumni, faculty and staff, and donors. The Associate Director will collaborate across the Lab ARD office, the Lab Communications office, and the Central ARD department to maximize the impact for all public facing written, print, and digital communication that serve the Laboratory Schools' philanthropy, stewardship, and community engagement goals. The Associate Director will report to the Director of Alumni Relations & Development in Lab's ARD department and participate in planning and departmental meetings, accept assignments, and perform other ARD duties and special projects as assigned. A successful candidate for this role will have demonstrated success in direct mail, telephone, and social media fundraising. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, curious, enthusiastic, and will help build a broad understanding of Lab's philanthropic value to donors and prospective donors.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of 3 years in philanthropic leadership in independent schools, higher education, or other not-for-profit organizations.
• Experience with fundraising databases and reporting tools such as Blackbaud products or Salesforce.

Responsibilities

• Act as project manager and editorial lead on all Lab ARD communications, from project kick-offs to execution.
• Supports Lab's efforts in the University of Chicago Giving Day program.
• Consults as a strategic thought partner for communication deliverables including, but not limited to, emails, letters, print collateral, social media, digital content, remarks, presentations, and storytelling pieces.
• Serves as departmental copywriting lead, providing copy generation and/or editorial support to all members of ARD department.
• Partners with Lab Communications and fellow ARD colleagues to develop effective marketing strategies and implements efficient project management.
• Identifies opportunities to leverage technology and emerging strategies to meet annual giving goals.
• Provides an elevated level of partnership to the Director of Alumni Relations & Development.
• Develop systems to maintain communication and editorial consistency across ARD.
• Manage an ARD communications calendar, helping to streamline and organize communication efforts across team members.
• Liaise with Lab Communications team to create content and strategies that serve ARD and the Schools' missions.
• Work with Lab ARD to identify new storytelling opportunities.
• Act as project lead for all ucls.uchicago.edu/giving website content.
• Works closely with the special events team in the development of recognition on an annual basis.
• Acts as a resource for other units regarding fundraising and engagement activities.
• Has full authority to develop communication strategies for publications related to donors and volunteers.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree