Assistant Director, Major Gifts

General Summary:

The Assistant Director, Major Gifts at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business implements comprehensive fundraising strategies to qualify new prospects, including younger prospects with the greatest future philanthropic potential, and to raise both restricted and unrestricted gifts in support of the mission and priorities of the school. The Assistant Director identifies, qualifies, and solicits a portfolio of current and potential donors with the capacity to make gifts up to $1,000,000.

The Assistant Director meets with prospects and donors in the New York Tri-State area. As needed, assists with and attends cultivation events for small groups of high-level donors. Works effectively and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues to achieve Advancement team goals and objectives.

This position is based in New York City and may require approximately 25% travel.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meets, qualifies and manages a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects. Develops strong relationships to build connection with and support for the school.
• Achieves personal fundraising and activity goals for prospect visits, qualifications, solicitations, and funds raised, with a focus on securing gifts from $25,000 to $500,000.
• Qualifies high net worth alumni and expands the pipeline for future major gift donors using creative methods and strategies. 
• Provides timely and effective follow-up to prospects and donors including delivering compelling proposals.
• Collaborates with Chicago Booth departments and teams (Annual Fund, Career Services, Research Centers, etc.) on identification and cultivation activities.
• Partners with Chicago Booth research and prospect management to identify additional prospects.
• Records all prospect actions and activities in the University’s Prospect Management System.  
• Participates in regular strategy meetings and helps sustain a comprehensive New York regional plan.
• Plans, executes, and attends evening and weekend functions as necessary.
• 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, Skill and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum two years of development and fundraising experience and/or sales and marketing experience. 
• Demonstrated fluency in Microsoft Office products.
• Experience using fundraising databases or client relationship management databases.
• A background related to business or professional school education.
• Sophisticated judgment in devising identification and qualification strategies.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills as well as high attention to detail and follow-up.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills, characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write well.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Self-motivated and work well with and through others.
• 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.