Job Description:

• Plans and conducts individual frontline fundraising activities for Booth Annual Fund leadership gift prospects. Identifies, cultivates and solicits prospective donors who have the capacity to make financial commitments of $2,500 to $100,000 or more. Manages a portfolio of approximately 150-250 prospects. Plans and executes a target total of 100-150 visits per year and a commensurate number of Annual Fund solicitations.
• Qualifies new prospects. Determines creative cultivation and solicitation strategies to further engagement of alumni to the school. Regularly prospects for new discovery visits, relying on a variety of strategies to uncover previously unengaged donors. Conducts a high level of outreach on an ongoing basis to prospects to secure digital, phone, and in-person meetings, with an emphasis on digital and phone as first points of contact. Plans and solicits a number of multi-year pledges as determined in concert with manager during annual goal setting. Based on qualification assessment, nominates prospects to move to major gift portfolios and works with major gift officers to transition prospects into working with major gift officers. Annually assesses the state of prospects in the portfolio to make recommendations to continue working, disqualify, or move to major gifts.
• In conjunction with communication colleagues, drafts compelling letters and proposals. Drafts reports and document donor strategies, actions, and interests as well as ensure all information relevant to assigned prospects is accurate and current. Delivers timely and effective follow-up to prospects and donors. Works collaboratively with donor relations colleagues to maintain a strong stewardship strategy for portfolio donors. Assists with events and attends evening and weekend functions as necessary.
• Learns and maintains an in-depth knowledge of Chicago Booth and University campaign priorities. Develops strong collaborative working relationships with Alumni Relations and Development colleagues across the University.
• Identifies and qualifies prospects by aiding in expanding the pool of potential donors and participating in outreach events. Manages a portfolio of prospective donors.
• Works with others to maximize prospective donor cultivation.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher.

Experience:

• A minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, sales, public relations or similar work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and managing programs.
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing individual leadership gifts.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn the technology tools available to the Office of Advancement, including Phoenix, the Universityâ™s alumni and donor database of record, Zoom, a Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong verbal and writing skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, the internal workings of the University.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability both to delegate and execute, thereby leading by word and by example; work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting. 
• An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative; outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write well.
• Flexible and adaptable to new programs in an emerging and changing environment.
• Understanding of the University of Chicago, its history, organization and modus operandi.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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.

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