Director of Foundation Relations

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) invites applicants for the position of Director of Foundation Relations.

This position helps secure support from foundations for activities across the UIC campus in the form of philanthropic giving, programmatic grants, sponsored research, and other opportunities. Manages a portfolio of existing relationships with foundation constituents, helps identify new foundation prospects, and develops and implements successful cultivation and solicitation strategies for foundation donors. Engages with faculty, program directors and other UIC leadership and staff to direct and/or assist in program and proposal development. Serves as University liaison to foundation program staff and officers to align the investment priorities of the foundation with UIC’s programs. Assists Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and other UIC colleagues in identifying projects for foundation support, determining foundation prospects to solicit for funding, and planning and coordinating outreach activities across the UIC campus to engage faculty and identify projects.

Job responsibilities include:

• Serve as lead development officer for a portfolio of foundation prospects, managing all phases of the development process, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Proactively identify faculty projects and institutional initiatives that align well with foundation interests
• Develop and execute strategies to engage foundations based on capacity and alignment with University priorities and strengths.
• Work with college/unit-based Advancement staff, UIC leadership, deans, faculty, and other staff as well as foundation staff to communicate and engage with the foundation community around fundraising priorities and academic initiatives.
• Work directly with faculty to surface, explore, synthesize, articulate, and prioritize ideas for philanthropic solicitation and bring funding opportunities to appropriate faculty.
• Make personal visits with program officers and other foundation staff. Arrange visits of foundation representatives to UIC, coordinates site visits involving lead administrators, faculty and students, staffs these visits.
• Work with those offices at UIC that are relevant to identifying prospects/projects and soliciting support, including the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, dean’s offices, college-based advancement staff, and others.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
• RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED

 Job Knowledge & Skills, Education, Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years in foundation fundraising, including a proven track record in securing six-figure gifts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and confidently with senior leadership at UIC and in the foundation and/or corporate sector.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to Advancement colleagues, donors, volunteers, faculty, and staff.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, good judgement, and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Prior knowledge and familiarity with local and national business environments as well as fundraising strategies and techniques. 

University of Illinois Chicago

As a top research institute, a leading healthcare provider, and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse universities in the country UIC is paving the way for how modern, urban, global public education should work.  We are, and have been since our earliest days, dedicated to opening doors and clearing hurdles to provide an outstanding education to bright and ambitious students, no matter what.  This mission is amplified through our five-year, $750 million IGNITE Campaign that will redefine the model for student success, cultivate and empower faculty leaders, drive life-changing discovery and strengthen connections to communities. 

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement connects the vision and passion of UIC’s alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and corporations and foundations, with the pieces of our mission most meaningful to them.  We help donors create the impact they envision, whether it be scholarship for a promising student seeking a life-changing education, funding for researchers working to discover new knowledge in a particular arena or support for a university-community collaboration that will anchor stronger, healthier societies.

TO APPLY, PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE UIC JOB BOARD: https://jobs.uic.edu.    FOR FULLEST CONSIDERATION PLEASE APPLY BY April 23, 2021.  RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.  UIC also offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899