Project Manager, Strategic Development Planning

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Manager, Strategic Development Planning, supports the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer (CDO) by providing strategic planning, project management, and analytical support for Development priorities, with a particular focus on supporting the prioritization and execution of the CDO’s highest impact priorities. This position uses best practices and knowledge of non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Assembles teams and develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports while being the point of contact for those projects. As the Advancement division enters a period of increased complexity and scale associated with a comprehensive campaign, this role is designed to provide dedicated capacity for development-related planning, coordination, and execution across development teams. The role works closely with the CDO and Advancement teams to translate strategic direction into actionable plans, track progress across initiatives, and support disciplined execution of top priorities. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate with credibility across multiple stakeholders across Advancement and the broader University.

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

Advanced degree.
Minimum five years of professional experience in advancement, campaign planning, strategic planning, project management, or related fields.
Development strategy, including moves management.
Data analysis and communicating complex topics to non-technical people.
Managing complex cross-team projects with multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System.
Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
Highly organized with strong project management discipline.
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 detail.

Responsibilities

Partners with the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer (CDO), to support planning, priorities, and decision-making.
Develops and maintains integrated project plans, charters, and status reports to promote transparency and shared accountability.
Translates strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, structured workplans, timelines, and measurable milestones across development teams.
Tracks progress against established goals, proactively identifying risks, gaps, and interdependencies requiring alignment or escalation.
Coordinates cross-functional workstreams, stakeholders, and deliverables to support timely execution of major initiatives.
Supports development-related planning, coordination, and execution, including roadmap development and milestone tracking.
Provides organizational structure, analytical support, and meeting facilitation to sustain momentum and clarity during a period of increased development complexity and scale.
Supports the CDO in moves management, including creating briefing developments, synthesizing input from stakeholders, and tracking CDO activity to inform priorities, such as trip planning and identifying key donor meetings and engagements.
Develops concise strategic briefings, synthesis materials, and presentations to support informed decision-making, working with appropriate Advancement teams to ensure organizational alignment.
Supports alignment of the CDO’s time, attention, and focus with highest-impact initiatives, including development strategy, fundraising priorities, and external partnerships.
Drafts, refines, and supports development of strategic narratives, communications, and planning materials.
Provides strong preparation to the CDO for presentations and external meetings.
Represents the CDO in selected meetings to advance priority initiatives and ensure alignment.
Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars and seminars; and building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
Works somewhat independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports.
Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance.
Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
Performs other related work as needed.