Department
11438 Lab Schools Alum Rel & Develop

About the Unit
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provides one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life-of thought and exploration-infuses all aspects of our curriculum and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey-one of the great minds in education-established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today's students still benefit from his vision, and today's Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab's student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the finest employees-people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago's academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. Interested candidates should apply via our website at http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment AA/EOE Statement: The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 773-834-1841 or by email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.

Job Information
Job Summary:

The Associate Director, Major Gifts will plan and implement strategies for a coordinated program of fundraising activities in one or more geographical regions and the Greater Chicago area. Identify, cultivate and solicit Lab School alumni, parents and friends who have the capacity to make financial commitments of $100,000+. Plan and execute a target of 120 prospect visits per year, 24 major gift solicitations, and an agreed-upon fundraising dollar target.

Build and manage a portfolio of 100-150 prospects by qualifying prospects through email, phone, and in-person communication. Determine timely cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects in the portfolio. Plan and execute strategies to engage donors who have the capacity for making a major gift ($100,000+) to the Lab School. Solicit annual and endowed support in collaboration with School partners.

Responsibilities :

• Arrange for prospects to meet with appropriate administrators, faculty, and principals when needed as part of a cultivation strategy.
  
• Maintain strong communication links with various University fundraisers and regional gift officers to ensure a coordinated approach to strengthening the prospect's or donor's relationship with the Lab School.
  
• Deliver timely and effective follow-up in various forms to prospects and donors, which would include generating customized fundraising proposals.
  
• Write timely contact reports for prospect database following prospect and donor visits.
  
• Serve as a key partner for stewardship of major gift donors and planned giving donors to the Schools. Participate, as needed and appropriate, in quarterly Lab Board meetings and participate as much possible in Lab School professional development opportunities.
  
• Achieve personal fundraising and activity goals monthly, quarterly and annually. Provide scheduled and ad hoc updates to manager on progress and strategies.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned, including administrative duties that allow for the continued operation and success of the full development cycle for the Lab Schools. These duties may include; writing stewardship reports, managing the weekly gift acknowledgment process, alumni weekend preparation, and staffing, giving day management, council meeting logistics, and planning, direct mail and other solicitation communications.
  
• Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University.
  

TRAVEL: A minimum of quarterly travel will be expected to qualify new prospects for the Social Sciences Division and Becker Friedman Institute campaign priorities.

Competencies:

• Ability to work autonomously and thrive in a proactive fundraising environment required.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work under and respond positively to deadlines and requests imposed by others.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively.
• Understanding of database segmentation and a keen understanding and ability to market to different audiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn and manipulate databases.
• Ability to attend and help with weekend and evening events.

Additional Requirements
Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher, required
  

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of professional experience, in development, communications, events management, or marketing in a higher education or non--profit setting, or a related field, required.
  
• Experience with annual giving and use of various streams including digital and traditional direct response channels, preferred.
  

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to write clear and compelling messages to inspire giving.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly and regularly adjust strategy based on giving trends

Required Documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume
  
• Professional references
  

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

Benefit Eligibility
Yes

Pay Frequency
Monthly

Pay Range
Depends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Union
Non-Union

Job is Exempt?
Yes

Drug Test Required?
No

Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job?
No

Health Screen Required?
No

Posting Date
2018-12-03-08:00

Remove from Posting On or Before
2019-06-03-07:00

Posting Statement:
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 .

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.