Senior Director, Major Gifts

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology•Chicago, IL

2d•$125,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, Major Gifts is the lead individual fundraiser driving philanthropic support for The Chicago School, including the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine. This builder’s role establishes and grows a major gift prospect pipeline where limited fundraising infrastructure currently exists. The Senior Director identifies, cultivates, solicits, and closes six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, with fundraising focused on The Chicago School Fund, the IllinoisCOM Fund, the Clinical Psychology Impact Fellowship, and NRCI. This is an individual-contributor fundraising position with full ownership of a book of business, rather than a role within a large Advancement department. The role is externally focused and based in Chicago, with significant time spent engaging donors and prospects off campus. Occasional travel may be required. The position is offered under an initial one-year employment agreement, with future renewal terms determined by demonstrated performance and institutional needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of frontline major gift fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of closing six- or seven-figure gifts.
Experience managing a personal portfolio of 50–75 major and principal gift prospects.
Some direct or matrixed management experience, such as managing or coaching a coordinator or junior fundraiser.
Familiarity and experience with Chicago-area funders, corporations, or foundations.
Experience building a fundraising pipeline and closing major gifts with limited infrastructure.

Nice To Haves

Fundraising experience in higher education, healthcare, or academic medicine.
Experience partnering directly with a president, CEO, or executive leadership team on fundraising strategy and execution.
Familiarity with clinical psychology, mental health, or osteopathic medicine as philanthropic priority areas.
Proficiency with a donor CRM; Raiser's Edge is preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and manage a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects, personally guiding prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Prepare and negotiate proposals and gift agreements for six- and seven-figure commitments.
Build relationships with local, regional, and national funders aligned with the four priority funds; conduct prospect research and identification as needed.
Design and execute stewardship plans for major donors, including gift acknowledgment, impact reporting, and ongoing engagement to support donor retention and upgrades.
Work with the President and Executive Cabinet to determine how best to position the institution for the four priority funding opportunities.
Manage and coach Major Gifts personnel; establish portfolio strategy collaboratively and regularly review pipeline activity.
Oversee execution of employee and trustee giving campaigns managed by the Director, Major Gifts, ensuring alignment with overall fundraising strategy.
Coordinate with External Affairs teams, including University Communications, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Alumni Relations, and Public Affairs, and with other institutional leaders to support university goals.
Set annual fundraising goals in conjunction with the President.
Maintain and oversee accurate, timely records of activity, moves, and next steps in Raiser's Edge, ensuring team compliance with university policies and procedures.
Report monthly on visits, proposals, and dollars raised against goal; support additional executive- or board-level reporting as needed.