Senior Development Associate, Individual Giving

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Department BSD DEV - Individual Giving - Project Management 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 job implements programs designed to meet fundraising goals for contributed income with moderate guidance. Helps build relationships with alumni, faculty, administrators and organizations with potential to make gifts at the instruction of others. Executes communication strategies for projects. This is a great role to learn the key cultivation skills of a fundraiser. Responsibilities Responsible for performing complex and diverse responsibilities in support of fundraising goals for Medicine & Biological Sciences Development. As a Secondary Moves Manager, they will facilitate, organize, and execute fundraising activities primarily for two or more Director level frontline fundraisers. Coordinates logistics and prepares strategic interactions aimed at qualifying, soliciting and stewarding Major and Principal Gift prospects. Accountable for driving strategy and next steps following the visits. Facilitates internal meetings and fundraiser visits with current and prospective donors to advance prospect strategy. Understands and remains current on institutional priorities, programs, events, engagement opportunities and has a general understanding of the diverse research priorities of the University and UC Medicine. Prepares briefing documents to prepare participants in cultivation, solicitation, and recognition visits. Drafts acknowledgements, special greetings, and letters for cultivation purposes. Acts as a project manager for proposals and other written documents, and coordinates with the Marketing and Communications team. Assist with managing a portfolio of faculty members for the purpose of advancing prospect relationships and identifying funding opportunities. Supports the management of portfolios of donors who are in stewardship for existing major and principal gifts. Supports fundraisers to advance giving strategies. Coordinates recognition and stewardship with the Donor Relations team. Performs basic prospect research that informs briefings, strategy, proposals and solicitations. Collaborates with Strategic Research and Analysis team on defining the need for in-depth research and negotiating the timeline for such research. Utilizes and keeps up to date a donor database to prospective donor activity and interests. With respect to team meetings, s/he contributes agenda items that advance strategy and ensure outcomes. May assist in the development of proposals and a broad spectrum of fundraising materials created for specific audiences such as a donor or prospective donor, family foundation, corporation, or volunteer solicitor in order to support and help achieve their team’s annual fundraising goal. As part of the process, may establish, monitor, and execute a timeline, considering specific audiences, and integrating influential facts or statistics. Assists key positions in raising $10M across the teams in new gifts and pledges. Supports the qualification of 25 prospects each year. Maintains productive relationships with faculty. Build relationships with a variety of different individuals within the University in the assigned divisions and departments of those who make charitable gifts. Writes timely and strategic correspondences to advance relationships. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. (Required) Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Experience: 2 years work experience in development or a related field, such as public relations, sales, marketing, or a not-for-profit organization. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write well with a strong commitment to customer service. Excellent organizational skills, and a high degree of flexibility and initiative. Familiarity with personal computers and database applications. Experience in a university setting or a similarly complex institution strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies 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 Development and Alumni Relations, a Microsoft Windows computer environment including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with Salesforce. An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative. Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with a team of highly motivated individuals. Familiarity with The University of Chicago. Working Conditions Office Environment (hybrid schedule). Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover letter (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 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 $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 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.

Keywords: University of Chicago, West Allis , Senior Development Associate, Individual Giving, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Wisconsin