Careers

Job Description:

• Engages and creates pathways for the AAEB to become further involved and immersed in programs at Lab.
• Designs regional programs in key US cities Boston, Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco Bay area, and Los Angeles.   
• Effectively engages local Chicago alumni by creating opportunities for integration into school functions and events.
• Creates programs for current students that connect them with Lab alumni and effectively initiate their lifelong relationships with them. 
• Increases alumni giving participation by coordinating a mix of compelling direct mail, and electronic solicitation pieces, social media platforms, appeals, events, and one-on-one solicitations with internal and external stakeholders. Work with Universityâ™s ARD communication and direct response teams to leverage their capabilities to help meet Labâ™s goals.
• Works in tandem with the Universityâ™s prospect management team to execute on cultivation and solicitation assignments and work with Lab ARD colleagues to meet the goals of the anticipated fundraising campaign.
• Creates fundraising and relationship-building strategies including peer-to-peer visits and solicitations, both regionally and nationally. 
• Oversees and contributes to a robust and strategic alumni communications program, including events, print, electronic, and interpersonal communications, with a focus on Alumni Weekend and "On the Road" alumni events in major markets that might feature Labâ™s Director, a resident board member or faculty member.
• Builds strong working relationships with staff in the College, professional schools, units, and in other departments across campus. Develops performance standards for the alumni relations staff within a unit. Sets activity goals for the team and maintains the annual operating budget for constituent relations programs.
• Leads strategic planning, data management, the creation and tracking of metrics, and the creation and implementation of new constituent relations programs worldwide. Measures, tracks, and reports participation and success of initiatives.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced graduate or professional degree in business, marketing, management, or higher education administration. 
   

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience, in development, communications, events management, or public relations in higher education or non-profit setting, or a related field.
• Direct experience in development and alumni relations, with experience in individual giving and volunteer and special events management.
• A minimum of one year of supervisory and staff management experience.
• Experience developing and monitoring budgets.  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the history, demographics, faculty, current programs, departments, and processes of the Laboratory Schools and the University of Chicago at large.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Learn and manipulate databases.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with fundraising database applications.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing social media to execute engagement and communications strategies.

Preferred Competencies

• Live the mission of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. 
• Participate personally in high-level gift strategies and solicitations. Organize, plan and manage multiple projects.
• Work under pressure and respond positively to deadlines and requests.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability both to delegate and to execute, thereby leading by word and by example.
• Resolve conflict and build consensus.
• Work collegially and collaboratively.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write well with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Excellent diplomatic skills.
• Make excellent first impressions and develop sound, enduring relationships with a broad range of people, including high-level corporate and civic executives.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work independently with a high level of discretion and creativity.
• Attention to detail and follow through.
• A high degree of flexibility and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to meet goals and deadlines.
• Familiarity with an independent school environment. 

Working Conditions

• Some domestic travel.
• Office environment 
• Attend and help with weekend and evening events.
• Carry or lift loads of up to 25 lbs.
• Sit for 2 hours to 4 hours.
• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.
• Stand for 2 hours to 4 hours.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)   

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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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