Assistant Director, Development – Social Sciences Division

Department
 

ARD Social Sciences Division

About the Department
 

Alumni Relations & Development (ARD) engages alumni (~190k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $550 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. Consistently ranked among the top ten social science research universities in the world, the Division of Social Sciences is at the vanguard of inquiry and impact. Whether through the field-defining scholarship of the Chicago Schools in Sociology and Economics, the path-breaking impact of the first graduate international affairs program in the U.S., the creation of interdisciplinary programs in the Department of Comparative Human Development and the John U. Nef Committee on Social Thought, or many other pivotal milestones, the Division has repeatedly transformed the social sciences since its founding in 1930. The Division offers PhD degrees in nine disciplines and Master of Arts degrees in five interdisciplinary fields. The Division also offers a number of joint degrees, and these collaborative initiatives uniquely position the Division to pioneer creative modes of thinking about society’s most complex issues. A central component of the University’s Office of ARD, the Division of the Social Sciences Development enterprise is a team of fundraising professionals who work collaboratively to secure annual, major, and principal gift support for divisional priorities and objectives, as set by the Dean, and foster increased engagement with the division. The team undertakes this work through in-person meetings, carefully curated cultivation and stewardship events, and other forms of donor engagement.

Job Summary
 

The position provides professional support of assigned development activities with instruction from others. Executes fundraising projects, cultivation programs for prospective donors and for advisory councils.

Responsibilities

• In concert with and guidance from the Associate Director of Development, produces the team’s stewardship and donor relations program, including gathering data on fund usage and report production.
• Oversees and implements the gift acknowledgment process.
• Assists in the planning and execution of divisional events, including two distinct series of cultivation and stewardship events, as well as the annual SSD Advisory Council meetings and activities.
• Coordinates direct response efforts across all giving channels and writes compelling appeals and other direct response materials.
• Serves as SSD’s Development Team main contact for the University’s Giving Day and Giving Tuesday efforts. Draft, design, and produces compelling fundraising appeals and timeline for communications.
• Provides support for the Division’s annual Alumni Weekend efforts, including the planning of engagement events and key messaging.
• Produces special communications from the Dean to various constituencies, on an ad hoc basis, such as the Social Sciences Advisory Council and select alumni and friends.
• Liaise with faculty, administrative leaders, and other colleagues to remain current on the mission and priorities of the Division of the Social Sciences.
• Qualifies potential annual leadership gift donors through personal visits, correspondence, and research; solicit gifts across annual giving levels and ensure appropriate donor recognition and stewardship.
• Serves as the MAPSS Alumni Board liaison, and manages relationship with SSD liaison to the Alumni Board, producing Divisional Updates for Alumni Board Meeting.
• Supports, facilitates, and drafts Alumni Award Nominations on behalf of the dean and selected faculty.
• Supports the Director and Associate Director by gathering information from divisional partners on events, stories, and other avenues for donor engagement.
• Analyzes and synthesizes data to prepare reports on program performance across all gift levels and identify potential prospects.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Has a moderate/solid understanding of fundraising operations for a school or department of the University. Identifies budget requirements and staffing needs on a project or event basis.
• Has a moderate/high level of authority in drafting informational and marketing materials for review for assigned programs. Assists in developing support materials for specific fundraising activities.
• Plans somewhat complex activities of volunteer and support groups. Recruits members and provides guidance and support to leadership activities.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors and volunteers. Establishes and maintains donor records and accounts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar professional work experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• 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 Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated project management experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Travel for events based on programmatic and regional needs to strengthen engagement with the Social Sciences Division.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Alumni Relations & Development

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
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.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

ARD Social Sciences Division

About the Department
 

Alumni Relations & Development (ARD) engages alumni (~190k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $550 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. Consistently ranked among the top ten social science research universities in the world, the Division of Social Sciences is at the vanguard of inquiry and impact. Whether through the field-defining scholarship of the Chicago Schools in Sociology and Economics, the path-breaking impact of the first graduate international affairs program in the U.S., the creation of interdisciplinary programs in the Department of Comparative Human Development and the John U. Nef Committee on Social Thought, or many other pivotal milestones, the Division has repeatedly transformed the social sciences since its founding in 1930. The Division offers PhD degrees in nine disciplines and Master of Arts degrees in five interdisciplinary fields. The Division also offers a number of joint degrees, and these collaborative initiatives uniquely position the Division to pioneer creative modes of thinking about society’s most complex issues. A central component of the University’s Office of ARD, the Division of the Social Sciences Development enterprise is a team of fundraising professionals who work collaboratively to secure annual, major, and principal gift support for divisional priorities and objectives, as set by the Dean, and foster increased engagement with the division. The team undertakes this work through in-person meetings, carefully curated cultivation and stewardship events, and other forms of donor engagement.

Job Summary
 

The position provides professional support of assigned development activities with instruction from others. Executes fundraising projects, cultivation programs for prospective donors and for advisory councils.

Responsibilities

• In concert with and guidance from the Associate Director of Development, produces the team’s stewardship and donor relations program, including gathering data on fund usage and report production.
• Oversees and implements the gift acknowledgment process.
• Assists in the planning and execution of divisional events, including two distinct series of cultivation and stewardship events, as well as the annual SSD Advisory Council meetings and activities.
• Coordinates direct response efforts across all giving channels and writes compelling appeals and other direct response materials.
• Serves as SSD’s Development Team main contact for the University’s Giving Day and Giving Tuesday efforts. Draft, design, and produces compelling fundraising appeals and timeline for communications.
• Provides support for the Division’s annual Alumni Weekend efforts, including the planning of engagement events and key messaging.
• Produces special communications from the Dean to various constituencies, on an ad hoc basis, such as the Social Sciences Advisory Council and select alumni and friends.
• Liaise with faculty, administrative leaders, and other colleagues to remain current on the mission and priorities of the Division of the Social Sciences.
• Qualifies potential annual leadership gift donors through personal visits, correspondence, and research; solicit gifts across annual giving levels and ensure appropriate donor recognition and stewardship.
• Serves as the MAPSS Alumni Board liaison, and manages relationship with SSD liaison to the Alumni Board, producing Divisional Updates for Alumni Board Meeting.
• Supports, facilitates, and drafts Alumni Award Nominations on behalf of the dean and selected faculty.
• Supports the Director and Associate Director by gathering information from divisional partners on events, stories, and other avenues for donor engagement.
• Analyzes and synthesizes data to prepare reports on program performance across all gift levels and identify potential prospects.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Has a moderate/solid understanding of fundraising operations for a school or department of the University. Identifies budget requirements and staffing needs on a project or event basis.
• Has a moderate/high level of authority in drafting informational and marketing materials for review for assigned programs. Assists in developing support materials for specific fundraising activities.
• Plans somewhat complex activities of volunteer and support groups. Recruits members and provides guidance and support to leadership activities.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors and volunteers. Establishes and maintains donor records and accounts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar professional work experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• 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 Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated project management experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Travel for events based on programmatic and regional needs to strengthen engagement with the Social Sciences Division.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Alumni Relations & Development

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
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.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.