Job Description:

• Researches and writes compelling proposals that inspire philanthropy at the highest level in support of the University's strategic initiatives and the priorities of an upcoming comprehensive campaign.
• Writes creative, engaging copy for annual giving solicitations, donor-centric websites, and other mass-market fundraising and engagement efforts, including via social media.
• Fulfills other writing, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial duties as needed.
• Contributes ideas and writing to enhance print and electronic publications, such as The University of Chicago Magazine, Short List, and The Core, donor communications, and events, including Alumni Weekend and the Universityâ™s annual Giving Day, to help ensure that they engage and delight their intended audiences.
• Collaborates with communications teams as well as fundraising officers, alumni relations staff, and communications colleagues across the University to plan and implement development communications that uphold ARD and University messaging, tone, style, and brand guidelines.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Researches, verifies, writes and edits publications, which can includes technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.
• Participates in the design and planning of communications strategies.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Writing principal gift proposals, case statements, and other fundraising communications for sophisticated general audiences.
• Writing news and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets.
• Editing the work of others, writers and non-writers.
• Interviewing wide range of subject matter experts, including academics and scientific researchers.
• Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.

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 (ARDâ™s next-generation fundraising technology), Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptionally strong writing and verbal skills, including experience writing persuasively.
• High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Work independently on projects and events from conception to completion.
• Communicate effectively and with influence.
• Well-developed creativity, including the ability to write with humor and wit, and a sensitivity to appropriate tone depending on the audience.
• 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)

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.

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: 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.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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