Strategic Initiatives Director — Donor Campaigns

Jobtailor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

DePaul University in Chicago seeks an experienced development leader to manage the Senior Vice President's special projects and donor outreach. The role partners with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, donors, and external entities to advance fundraising and strategic initiatives.

The role requires strong writing, presentation, and relationship-building abilities, with oversight of campaign planning, governance interactions, and complex scheduling for high-level donors and leadership.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree required.
• Minimum 5 years progressive development experience including campaign planning and execution for academic institutions.
• Excellent communications, writing, and presentation skills.
• Experience building and communicating campaign strategies.
• Experience with volunteers and volunteer groups.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Resume and cover letter required.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the SVP's special projects and donor outreach.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, donors, the public, external agencies, and internal constituencies on behalf of the SVP and university.
• Collaborate with university administrative and academic leadership.
• Serve as a resource and liaison for the SVP's donor portfolio, vice presidents, deans, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, donors, and Congregation of the Mission communities.
• Coordinate divisional planning and priorities as a high-level project manager.
• Develop project plans, track progress, maintain schedules, and hold the leadership team accountable for results.
• Coordinate Board of Trustees Philanthropy Committee meetings, communications, events, and trustee participation.
• Analyze reports, research, and other content to develop presentations and materials for the Philanthropy Committee, Board of Trustees, and President's Office.
• Create and manage business processes, including campaign development processes.
• Assist the SVP with policy and strategy development.
• Conduct proposal writing, including pre-proposals and design elements for significant gift asks.
• Develop and execute communications for the university.
• Oversee administration of the SVP office.
• Ensure philanthropic commitments are made by Board of Trustees members and coordinate fundraising activity.
• Work with financial planners and stakeholders to ensure commitments are made and gifts are closed.
• Manage the SVP's calendar, schedule meetings, arrange travel, prepare expense reports, and reconcile pro-card expenses.

Skills

Project Management

Campaign Planning

Donor Engagement

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Baccalaureate degree

Tools

Proposal Writing

Campaign Development

Strategic Planning

Data Analysis

Presentation Development

Job description

DePaul University in Chicago seeks an experienced development leader to manage the Senior Vice President's special projects and donor outreach. The role partners with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, donors, and external entities to advance fundraising and strategic initiatives.

The role requires strong writing, presentation, and relationship-building abilities, with oversight of campaign planning, governance interactions, and complex scheduling for high-level donors and leadership.