Associate Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations (Sciences and Limited Opportunities)

Department

ARD Foundation & Corporate Relations 1

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 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.

Job Summary

This role manages a University-wide development program focused on foundations, corporations, fundraising associations and other institutional sources of philanthropic support. Monitors the setting and the achievement of fund raising goals with minimal guidance from others. This position leads the management of the University’s limited opportunity submissions to foundation and corporate philanthropic funders. In addition, the role manages a small portfolio of funders to support fundraising efforts for the Physical Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manages the University’s internal process for Limited Opportunity Foundation submissions, approximately 30 annual submissions to organizations that require the University to conduct an internal competition to select nominees to represent the University.
• Serves as a project manager for the limited opportunity submission process and coordinates efforts with the Office for Research Development, the Provost’s Office, unit leadership and staff, and faculty.
• Helps cultivate interest in limited opportunity funding across campus by developing relationships with faculty, administration, and Directors of Development for the purpose of increasing funding from foundations and corporations.
• Supports faculty through the submission process by sharing information from the funder, initiating meetings or information sessions for interested faculty, liaising with grants and contracts administrators and University Research Administration, and navigating external grant submission processes.
• Annually conducts/supports at least 12-15 visits, submits at least 30 proposals at the $100K+ level totaling $14M-$30M, and raises $1M-$2M+.
• Maintains a broad understanding of current and emerging science priorities and programs at the University, including campaign initiatives, in order to determine alignment with foundation and corporation funding interests.
• Supports manager’s efforts to fundraise for the Physical Sciences Division, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and campaign strategic initiatives, including Computing and AI, and Climate and Sustainable Growth.
• Outside of limited opportunities, works with faculty in the sciences seeking foundation support for projects by identifying foundation prospects and providing guidance on approaches to potential funders.
• Maintains an understanding of the science foundation and corporate giving landscape and seeks visits with organization funders to identify current and emerging funding opportunities and to provide insight for University partners.
• Utilizes strong science understanding to help distill complex research projects into short summaries for both academic and non-academic audiences; drafts non-routine correspondence regularly.
• Works with the Office of Research Development and unit staff to help faculty draft and/or edits proposal narratives, assembles proposal packets, and manages submissions for institutional funding.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date information on prospects and donors in ARD development system database.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Serves as liaison and acts as a resource to student group leaders seeking corporate involvement in projects and conferences. Works with colleagues to develop and implement an annual strategic plan for corporate development. Provides assistance and guidance with special projects.
• Works with multiple databases. Uses best practices and a moderate/high level of knowledge of donor programs to create and maintain reports.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate science degree.
• Graduate science degree.

Experience:

• Background in science, 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 Phoenix (the University's Donor Relationship Management System).
• Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong verbal and written skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of development and alumni relations.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

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

Job Family

Alumni Relations & Development

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$89,250.00 - $105,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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.

 

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.

 

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.