Assistant Director, Leadership Giving

General Summary: The Assistant Director, Leadership Giving at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business will understand the principles of fundraising and the mission of the Office of Advancement. This position will focus on leadership level ($2,500 - $100,000) Annual Fund prospects and will be expected to develop major gift leads. The Assistant Director is integral to growing the number of qualified prospects who can support Chicago Booth at the major gifts level by meeting with a high number of new prospects each year and soliciting leadership gifts and pledges. Periodic travel is required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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 documents donor strategies, actions, and interests as well as ensures 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• 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.
• 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 Advancement, including Griffin, the University’s alumni and donor database of record, Zoom, a Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Strong leadership qualities, including to both 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.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
• 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. Academic job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5671 or email ACOppAdministrator@uchicago.edu with their request. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-1841 or email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.