Director of Development, Annual Giving

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world's most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC's undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world-as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package: Generous paid time off Paid holidays (up to 14 days) Medical, dental, and vision insurance Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution) Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program Great employee discounts Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions The Office of Advancement at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) works to create meaningful connections with the School's community of stakeholders that foster advocacy, pride, and philanthropic support. We do this through strategic communications, events, alumni regional groups, philanthropic councils, volunteer opportunities, and facilitating opportunities to make an investment in SAIC. The SAIC Office of Advancement supports the mission of the School by strategically developing lifelong relationships with our community-including alumni, parents, friends and organizations-to strengthen engagement and philanthropy. ABOUT THE POSITION This Director of Development, Annual Giving is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase constituent engagement through the annual and leadership giving programs. The Director oversees the Assistant Director of Development to build the pipeline of donors by strategically engaging SAIC affiliates (alumni, parents, donors, friends) and identifying unaffiliated prospects through communications, events, and stewardship activities. The breadth of activity, number of internal and external partners, and fast pace of the office require an understanding of development and alumni engagement initiatives, as well as, strong process development, project management, interpersonal, business intelligence and analytical skills. The position reports directly to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement and works closely with development and alumni engagement colleagues. RESPONSIBILITIES Directs an integrated annual and leadership annual giving program designed to increase engagement of the SAIC's global community and to achieve and sustain ambitious growth in annual giving contributions. Develops and executes a multi-year strategy for annual giving that will increase unrestricted dollars raised annually and overall alumni participation rates. Increases retention of donors as a primary goal; develops strategies for all constituencies that encourage and acknowledge consistent annual giving. Manages a portfolio of leadership annual giving donors; liaise with Development and Advancement Operation colleagues to identify and refer pipeline of major gift prospects. Research and recommends digital strategy and potential systems or tools to support increased annual giving revenue and expanded alumni engagement. Aligns digital and print marketing, communications, and direct appeals to alumni, friends, and parents with the broader SAIC institutional branding and engagement objectives. Maintains relationships with volunteer/donor leaders and departmental staff/faculty partners to advance the School's philanthropic priorities. In partnership with the Advancement Operations team, ensure that donor records and external activity are current; maintain integrity of the system and ensure that it is being utilized in an efficient and effective manner. Track and record donor-related activity in the Office of Advancement's CRM database, Raiser's Edge. Manages and coaches the Assistant Director of Development to meet annual goals and metrics that are well-defined and measurable. Provides the necessary guidance and support for staff to achieve their goals. Develop and maintain current fluency in SAIC's institutional and philanthropic news and priorities to serve as an ambassador to donors and the external community. Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including building networks within the School and with colleagues at peer institutions, with an eye towards broadly diversifying the advancement profession. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree required 5 years of related experience required, preferably in development and alumni relations in higher education or comparable non-profit or private sector institutions. Experience working directly with alumni population is preferred. Demonstrated accomplishments in annual and/or major gifts fundraising with mastery of fundraising principles and best practices, and commitment to appropriate compliance. Experience working successfully with institutional leaders, including senior management, faculty and staff. Ability to organize and establish goals and strategies in a complex organizational environment. Strong communication, project management, organization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage, support, and evaluate others including peers, direct reports, and staff members in other parts of the organization. Familiarity with data entry and donor management software applications, Raiser's Edge experience preferable. Proven ability to apply an ethical code and good judgment, and to handle confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion. Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed. Valid Driver's license and reliable transportation required (car rental acceptable). CLOSING STATEMENT The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_helpartic.edu.