Department

ARD Social Sciences Division

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

A central component of the University’s Office of ARD, the Division of the Social Sciences Development enterprise is a team of fundraising professionals who work collaboratively to secure annual, major, and principal gift support for divisional priorities and objectives, as set by the Dean, and foster increased engagement with the division. The team undertakes this work through in-person meetings, carefully curated cultivation and stewardship events, and other forms of donor engagement.

Consistently ranked among the top ten social science research universities in the world, the Division of Social Sciences is at the vanguard of inquiry and impact. Whether through the field-defining scholarship of the Chicago Schools in Sociology and Economics, the path-breaking impact of the first graduate international affairs program in the U.S., the creation of interdisciplinary programs in the Department of Comparative Human Development and the John U. Nef Committee on Social Thought, or many other pivotal milestones, the Division has repeatedly transformed the social sciences since its founding in 1930. The Division offers PhD degrees in nine disciplines and Master of Arts degrees in five interdisciplinary fields. The Division also offers a number of joint degrees, and these collaborative initiatives uniquely position the Division to pioneer creative modes of thinking about society’s most complex issues.

Job Summary

The role manages programs designed to meet University fundraising goals for contributed income. Serves as strategist of efforts to secure gifts and build relationships with alumni, faculty, administrators and organizations with potential to make gifts. Develops communication strategies for projects.

The Senior Associate Director of Development is a collaborative colleague and fosters a culture of philanthropy primarily in support of the Division of the Social Sciences. The position serves as University liaison to and relationship manager for high-net-worth alumni with the potential to make gifts of $50,000 and more.

Responsibilities

Identifies, cultivates, and solicits Social Sciences Division alumni and friends who have the capacity to make financial commitments of $50,000+.Plans and executes a target of 100 prospect visits per year, 24 major gift solicitations, and an agreed upon fundraising dollar target of $1.5M - $3M.Manages a portfolio of 100-150 prospects by qualifying prospects through email, phone and in person communication.Determines timely cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects in portfolio.Arranges for prospects to meet with appropriate Social Sciences Division leadership, faculty and staff when needed as part of a cultivation strategy.Delivers timely and effective follow-up to prospects and donors, which would include generating customized fundraising proposals.Writes timely contact reports for prospect database following prospect and donor visits.Serves as key partner for stewardship of major gift donors and planned giving donors to the Division.Establishes fundraising goals and priorities based on department objectives, designs strategies to meet those goals, and monitors progress against goals.Serves as fundraising lead to various centers and initiatives of the Division of the Social Sciences.In partnership with the Senior Director and the Dean of the Division of the Social Sciences, manage the Social Sciences Advisory Council, its content and logistics for its twice annual meetings, committee work, and member terms.Supports the Senior Director of Development on campaign planning, including analysis of the Social Sciences’ pool of 25,000+ constituents, tracking and maintaining status of SSD campaign initiatives, updating case statements/vision documents, and preparing overview items that capture campaign priorities at a high level.Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.Establishes fundraising goals and priorities based on department objectives, designs strategies to meet those goals, and monitors progress against goals.Identifies, analyzes, and qualifies donor interest to maximize giving. Helps with overall planning efforts for the University's most important prospects. Works independently to develop communication strategies for projects, including publications and public presentations.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree.

Experience:

Minimum five years of professional work experience in fundraising, development, alumni relations, donor relations, nonprofit management, research, marketing, communications, sales or similar professional work.Minimum one year leading a project team or managing staff.Minimum one year experience developing and monitoring budgets.Proven record of accomplishment in solicitations and cultivation of prospective donors or sales and client development.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Competencies

Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.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.Translate research into language accessible for the public.Participate personally in gift strategies and solicitations.An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.Flexible and adaptable to new programs in an emerging and changing environment.Embraces the mission and vision of the Division of the Social Sciences and becomes knowledgeable about the work of faculty across departments to connect meaningfully with alumni and friends.

Working Conditions

This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.Standard office environment.Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.Work evenings and weekends as needed.This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Alumni Relations & Development

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$89,250.00 - $105,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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