Senior Associate Director of Development, Athletics

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

126d • $95,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Chicago is one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education and research. Campus and Student Life (CSL) is comprised of 20 departments that serve the University's 15,000 college, graduate, and professional school students, as well as the campus community more broadly. CSL is importantly charged with the dual task of supporting all students in the University, graduate and undergraduate, and managing multiple campus departments and services that serve the entire campus community. CSL's programs and services focus on supporting student academic success, providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, developing community and engagement through the residential housing and dining program, and in areas such as artistic expression, community service, spiritual exploration, and athletic competition. The University of Chicago community includes approximately 5,600 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate, professional, and other students and there are over 300 recognized student organizations working together to create a vibrant and dynamic student life. The University of Chicago is a member of the University Athletic Association and the NCAA (Division III). The University sponsors 20 varsity sports. The Department of Athletics & Recreation maintains an environment that supports the student athletes' commitment to thriving academically and athletically. A diverse, challenging athletic program supplements the rigorous academic curriculum. The lessons learned through athletic endeavors represent an invaluable part of the nonacademic aspects of a holistic education. Achieving this goal is based on a commitment to excellence.

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.
• Advanced degree.
• Success in major gift frontline fundraising for 3+ years prior, and has experience closing gifts at the $100K+ level.
• 5 years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales or similar professional work experience.
• 1-2 years of leading a project team or managing staff.
• 1 year of experience developing and monitoring budgets.
• Athletic fundraising experience, knowledge of the higher education arena and a strong affinity for intercollegiate athletics.

Responsibilities

• Leads the athletics fundraising team, setting and implementing fundraising goals, strategies, and priorities in collaboration with colleagues in Athletics, Alumni Relations & Development (ARD), and the College.
• Creates and implements comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit College alumni and parents with the capacity to make gifts of $100K+.
• Directs a team focused on increasing both dollars and donors to the athletics program, building engagement of individuals with the Athletics Department, teams, and coaches.
• Executes on campaign fundraising and engagement goals that will help transform athletics in the coming decade.
• Achieves personal fundraising and activity goals monthly, quarterly, and annually by managing a portfolio of approximately 120 athletic prospects.
• Executes a target of 100 prospect visits per year and fundraising over $1M annually.
• Provides scheduled and ad hoc updates to managers on fundraising progress and strategies with key prospects.
• Manages the Assistant Director of Athletics Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategy for the University's Giving Day.
• Arranges for prospects to meet with appropriate Department of Athletics leadership, coaches, and College and University leadership.
• Maintains strong communication links with various College and University colleagues.
• Strengthens fundraising communication with coaches and athletics support staff.
• Delivers timely and effective follow-up to prospects and donors.
• Generates timely contact reports in prospect database following visits.
• Serves as key partner for stewardship of major gift donors and planned giving donors.
• Provides content for the Athletics Department website, publications, brochures, and related collateral materials.
• Assists in the coordination of major gifts donor activities at select athletic events.
• Establishes fundraising goals and priorities based on department objectives.
• Identifies, analyzes, and qualifies donor interest to maximize giving.
• Develops communication strategies for projects, including publications and public presentations.

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