Assistant Director - Stewardship and Donor Relations

Assistant Director - Stewardship and Donor Relations

University of Illinois Chicago

Hiring Department: VC for Health Affairs

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1027298

Posting Close Date: October 9, 2024

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent Best Colleges rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Description:

The University of Illinois Chicago and UI Health seek an Assistant Director to join our growing individual giving, Advancement communications, and donor relations team. This position will work closely with the Executive Director, Donor Acquisition and Engagement; Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship; and colleagues throughout UIC and UI Health to create and implement personalized stewardship plans that delight high level supporters and inspire continued commitment to our mission.

The $2.5 billion UI Health system is comprised of seven health science colleges, a major teaching hospital, a substantial community-based healthcare network, a wide variety of top-ranked primary and specialty clinics, and a cancer center. UI Health has an unswerving commitment to ensuring access to both education and health care in Chicago and beyond, serving as an incubator for life-saving research, a major healthcare provider to underserved communities, and educator of more physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists for Illinois than any other school.

This is an exciting opportunity to join and help shape the direction of a growing Advancement program. Working within a highly collaborative and intersectional environment, the Assistant Director will develop and manage stewardship plans for supporters of multiple units, including the UI College of Medicine, UI Hospital and Clinics, Mile Square Health Center, and the UI Cancer Center. The successful candidate will bring at least five years of relevant stewardship experience, an aptitude for donor care and customer service, excellent organizational and project management skills, and a collaborative working style. This individual must be comfortable juggling multiple competing priorities, and must be committed to the mission and goals of UI Health. Bachelor's degree required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Executive Director, Donor Acquisition and Engagement; Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship; frontline fundraisers; and other team members to manage relationships with high level donors and prospects.
• Build strategies and design and implement personalized plans to promote meaningful donor engagement and increase retention. Ensure plans are properly documented and communicated to all relevant parties.
• Ensure stewardship plans are executed effectively and in accordance with prescribed timelines.
• Develop innovative stewardship touchpoints and recognition opportunities for high level donors and prospects.
• Collaborate with colleagues throughout UI Health, OVCA, and UIF to integrate donor stewardship into events and activities as appropriate.
• Manage the gift acknowledgement process for high level donors, coordinating the production and delivery of acknowledgement letters and emails from appropriate leadership to ensure the donor experience is cohesive and free from non sequiturs.
• Analyze data, review fund utilization details, and work with the Associate Director, Content Development to gather and compile information needed to prepare impact reports and respond to donor inquiries.
• Contribute to planning and strategy for donor meetings. Prepare briefing documents for frontline fundraisers.
• Provide stewardship guidance and advice to frontline fundraisers as needed and upon request.
• Track donor relations and stewardship activities in the database and produce routine activity reports.
• Engage in continuous learning to keep current on stewardship trends and emerging practices.
• Contribute to special projects and perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Donor Acquisition and Engagement.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. A total of one (1) year (12 months) of demonstrated work experience with stewardship or alumni and/or donor engagement.
3. Experience using Blackbaud CRM or another constituent database, and familiar with basic data management principles.

(Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong writing skills and ability to understand and adhere to house style and brand guidelines.
• Five years of relevant and progressive work experience in stewardship, donor relations, individual giving, or other related field.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills.
• Exceptional customer relations skills.
• Excellent Project Management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of professionals and other audiences in writing, on the phone, and in person.
• Competency with MS Office suite.
• The ability, credibility and capacity to build and sustain effective relationships and partnerships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, project management, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to understand and abide by the CASE Donor Bill of Rights, and the CASE Ethics Guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and deadlines.

To Apply:

For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation