Job Description:

• Researches and writes high level campaign materials, compelling proposals, and other fundraising communications for prospective donors to the College.

• Serves as a leader in helping to articulate the Collegeâ™s key fundraising priorities.

• Serves as the primary liaison for the College team with ARDâ™s communications team.

• Possesses an ability to capture the distinctive voice of the Dean of the College in remarks and correspondence and ensures all development communications align with the Deanâ™s voice and the strategic goals of the College and University.

• Writes customized acknowledgment and stewardship correspondence signed by the Dean of the College.

• Drafts congratulatory greetings, condolence letters, and other special fundraising communications, including donor-focused high-level gift and administrative announcements, from the Dean of the College.

• Crafts and assists in creating templates for decanal outreach to be used in donor outreach.

• Collaborates with team, University relationship managers, and other staff to draft individualized decanal thank you letters to donors.

• Develops and maintains cordial relationships with College leadership and colleagues, in particular working closely with colleagues in the Collegeâ™s Academic Affairs and Communications offices.

• Maintains and updates the Deanâ™s style manual and advises on decanal style to others wishing to draft letters for the Deanâ™s signature.

• Fulfills other writing, copy-editing, proofreading and editorial duties for the College team as needed.

• Manages multiple projects simultaneously and keeps a comprehensive plan of all work in progress.

• Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.

• Determines, researches, verifies, writes and edits publications, which often includes technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.

• Uses broad knowledge of writing to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).

• Designs and plans communications strategies.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s degree.

• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum five years nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, research, communications, public relations or similar work experience.

• Relevant professional work experience in writing and editing.

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.

• Experienced writer who has prepared a variety of high-level communications for an executive or senior leader, including, for example remarks, communications, and correspondence. 

Preferred Competencies

• Applicants must have superb writing skills, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy. 

• 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-motivation and the ability to take initiative.

• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

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)

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 the 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: 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.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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