Assistant Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations

Location: Chicago, IL Job Description: Assume primary responsibility for meeting prospect research needs for FCR, providing timely information on foundations and corporations to the FCR team and identifying relevant open Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to be disseminated to faculty and staff. Maintain an extensive understanding of the foundation and corporate giving landscape by researching giving priorities, program areas and trends. Present weekly updates on foundation/corporate news and notable changes to FCR team. Maintain a broad understanding of current and emerging initiatives and programs at the University in order to determine alignment with foundation and corporation funding interests. Identify relevant open RFPs using multiple sources, compile for FCR team on a weekly basis, and enter and maintain in the University’s online platform for faculty awareness. Respond to prospect list requests and prospect research requests for faculty and programs directed to the team. Join team members’ meetings with faculty and units as needed/desired to understand funding needs and share research results. Produce in-depth research profiles on foundations and corporations for solicitation strategies and meeting briefings for use by the FCR team and University faculty and leadership. Respond to other ad hoc research requests as needed. Launch and manage a project pinpointing areas of intersection between the University’s strategic initiatives and aligned foundation funders to identify opportunities for new, increased, and cross-institutional engagement. Advise FCR team on strategies and potential next steps to secure funding. Help grow the FCR team’s corporate relations activity by partnering with FCR Data and Analytics, Prospect Identification, and Individual Giving colleagues to identify linkages to aligned corporations for strategic philanthropic engagement. Advise on strategies and potential next steps. Partner with FCR Data and Analytics to maintain accurate, up-to-date information on organizational prospects and donors in ARD’s development system database. Maintain proficiency with and utilize prospect development tools and resources such as Foundation Directory Online, iWave, and RelSCi and stay abreast of new resources and technologies to ensure that the FCR’s resources meet industry standards. Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, and conferences, and building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions. Plans tactics to meet individual and group goals. Monitors and develops initial strategies for assigned foundations or corporations. Identifies emerging program areas with funding promise and assists in the development of new projects. Uses various technologies to help develop new strategies and to assess foundation relations programs. Has a moderate/solid understanding of the identification and solicitation of foundation/corporate prospects with the capacity for special, high-level support for the University's priority programs and projects. Develops and maintains relationships with donors, volunteer leadership, faculty, and administrators, often through personal visits, phone contact, and attendance at special events. Performs other related work as needed. Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree. Experience: Minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar professional work experience. Experience or coursework in development, analytics, library and information science, nonprofit management, marketing, public relations, sales or similar professional work experience. Technical Knowledge or Skills: 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 the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with development systems, database management or data cleanup a plus. Preferred Competencies Strong verbal and writing skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills. Familiarity with a broad range of research techniques, Internet research, searching of electronic databases, and the use of other appropriate sources and methods. Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail. Manage confidential information with discretion and tact. Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting. Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative. 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.

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