Development Associate, Centers and Initiatives and West Coast, Individual Giving

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Development Associate, Centers and Initiatives and West Coast, Individual Giving, conducts a variety of essential projects to support the Individual Giving team in the Office of Advancement at Chicago Booth. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Centers and Initiatives, Individual Giving, the Development Associate is an important source of information and support for the fundraising and engagement activity of Chicago Booth’s West Coast major gift officers, as well as principal and major gift activity for the school’s Research Centers and Initiatives, including the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. This position will be the direct point of contact for specific requests and questions from the Individual Giving team and will be responsible for providing information to other teams with discretion. This role will initiate projects that will be beneficial to the work of the Individual Giving team and is expected to anticipate the next steps and follow-up related to fundraising activity.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Acts as a resource for the Office of Advancement for the activities and needs of frontline fundraising activities related to Research Centers and the West Coast major gifts team.
2. Provides support to frontline gift officers throughout the entire prospect management process including (but not limited to) prospect outreach, data gathering and maintenance, scheduling, meeting preparation, and follow-up on action items.
3. Partners with gift officers to prepare donor briefings for meetings with Booth Deans.
4. In partnership with Advancement and Center staff, participates in regular strategy meetings, identifies appropriate engagement opportunities for prospects, and assists in scheduling visits between prospects and school leadership.
5. Helps cultivate major gift prospects by driving and coordinating a set of engagement opportunities for the Research Centers. Proactively tracks donor stewardship and assists in the execution of strategies.
6. Develops a network of professional contacts and provides advisory assistance to other Booth and University offices that seek it.
7. Strategizes new and creative ways for fundraising efforts to be more efficient and productive.
8. Participates in various team and staff meetings throughout the year and is an engaged member of the team.
9. Performs other related work as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. A minimum of one year of work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, customer service, or similar work required.
3. Demonstrated MS Office expertise (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), web conferencing proficiency required.
4. Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills required.
5. Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion skills required.
6. A strong commitment to customer service, proven track record of problem solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects and relationships is required.
7. Ability to work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes required.
8. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty, and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods i.e., in person, email, and phone required.
9. Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate based on 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 needing reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5671 or email ACOppAdministrator@uchicago.edu with their request. Staff Job seekers needing reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-1841 or email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.