Senior Development Associate, Principal Gifts

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is seeking a Fundraising Associate to implement programs aimed at achieving fundraising goals. Responsibilities include managing donor interactions, preparing fundraising materials, and collaborating with teams to advance donor cultivation. A college degree and 2–5 years of relevant experience are required, along with outstanding communication and organizational skills. The position offers a hybrid work schedule and a salary range of $65,000 to $80,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years of related work experience in development or a related field.
• Minimum two years of relevant work experience in public relations, sales, marketing, or a non‑profit organization is preferred.
• Experience in a university setting or a similarly complex institution is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex responsibilities to support fundraising goals.
• Manage logistics for interactions with principal gift donors.
• Prepare proposals and fundraising materials for various audiences.
• Draft acknowledgments and special greetings for senior staff.
• Support stewardship of existing principal gift donors.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Donor database management

Education

College or university degree in a related field

Tools

Database applications

Job description

About the Department

Medicine and Biological Sciences Development’s mission is to inspire and facilitate philanthropy at the University of Chicago Medicine by building relationships with those who share its goals of advancing excellence in research, education, community, and patient care. We accomplish this mission through expertise, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.

Job Summary

The position implements programs designed to meet fundraising goals for contributed income with moderate guidance. The role helps build relationships with alumni, faculty, administrators and organizations who have the potential to make gifts, and executes communication strategies for projects.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for performing complex and diverse responsibilities in support of fundraising goals for Medicine & Biological Sciences Development (MBSD).
• Act as a Secondary Moves Manager to facilitate, organize, and execute fundraising and stewardship activities for the Senior Associate Vice President and Senior Director, Principal Gifts.
• Manage logistics and prepare strategic interactions aimed at qualifying, soliciting, and stewarding the medical center’s highest level (principal gift) donors and prospects.
• Drive strategy and next steps following visits and faculty meetings.
• Facilitate internal meetings and fundraiser visits with current and prospective donors to advance prospect strategy.
• Remain current on institutional priorities, programs, events, and engagement opportunities and maintain a general understanding of the diverse research priorities of the University and UC Medicine.
• Prepare briefing documents for cultivation, solicitation, and recognition visits.
• Write briefings, proposals, and fundraising materials for specific audiences such as donors, family foundations, corporations, or volunteer solicitors to support annual fundraising goals.
• Draft acknowledgements, special greetings, and cultivation letters, and produce high‑volume messaging for Senior Associate Vice President, Senior Director, Principal Gifts, and other executive‑level staff.
• Act as project manager for proposals and other written documents, coordinating with the Marketing and Communications team.
• Assist with managing a portfolio of faculty to advance prospect relationships and identify funding opportunities.
• Support the stewardship of portfolio donors who are in stewardship for existing principal gifts.
• Coordinate recognition and stewardship with the Donor Relations team.
• Perform basic prospect research to inform briefings, strategy, proposals, and solicitations.
• Collaborate with the Prospect Development team on research needs and negotiate timelines.
• Utilize and maintain a donor database to track prospective donor activity and interests.
• Assist in raising $25M+ in new gifts and pledges.
• Support qualification of 4+ PG prospects each year.
• Build relationships with a variety of individuals within the University’s divisions and departments who make charitable gifts.
• Work with others to maximize prospective donor cultivation.
• Perform related work as needed.

Education

College or university degree in a related field (required).

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years of related work experience in development or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum two years of relevant work experience in development or a related field such as public relations, sales, marketing, or a non‑profit organization.
• Experience in a university setting or a similarly complex institution.
• Familiarity with database applications.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of the University’s internal workings and technology tools available to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high degree of flexibility and initiative.
• Familiarity with online resources.
• An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with a talented team.
• Familiarity with the University of Chicago.

Working Conditions

• Office environment (hybrid schedule).
• Ability to travel and attend evening and weekend functions when necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000.00 – $80,000.00
Benefits: Eligible for the University of Chicago’s comprehensive benefits program, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Application Requirements

• Required: Resume/CV, Cover Letter

Other Conditions

• Drug Test: No
  Health Screen: No
  Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry: No

Background Check

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.

Security Information

The University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report provides information about office and program safety. This report may be accessed in the university’s online portal.