Career Center

Job Summary

The Alumni Relations and Development department at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Lab) is recruiting talented and energetic advancement professionals in preparation for the schools’ next campaign. During the University’s Inquiry and Impact campaign and through its Lab+ initiative, the Schools secured more than $97 million in charitable contributions. The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will play an important revenue-generating role for annual giving and for priorities in the next comprehensive capital and endowment campaign.

Reporting to the Director of Development(DOD), the MGO will be a part of a fundraising team’s efforts to seek Leadership five-figure annual gifts and major gifts of $100,000 or more for capital, endowment, operational (Fund for Fund) or special projects. The MGO will collaborate with the Director of Development and the Director of Alumni Relations and Development to establish ambitious but achievable annual fundraising, proposal/solicitation and visit goals.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and maintains a portfolio of current Lab parents who have the capacity to contribute $10,000, $25,000, and more to the Fund for Lab or other budget-relieving priorities. 

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and maintains a portfolio of parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and others who have the capacity to contribute $100,000 or more to Lab. 

• Creates a robust schedule of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits, in-person and virtual, with donors and donor prospects. A key component of this role is the qualification, via discovery visits, with individuals to expand Lab’s major gift pool, particularly among Chicagoland alumni.

• Develops and implements compelling engagement strategies to inspire high net worth individuals to maximize their philanthropic engagement with Lab.

• Raises donor sights, articulates aspirational goals and ideas, presents philanthropic opportunities in a compelling manner and closes gifts.

• Promotes gift planning techniques via major gift visits and other outreach.

• Builds knowledge and communicates effectively, both in writing and in meetings, about a range of Lab programs, priorities, and initiatives.

• Serves on Lab’s Major Gifts team.

• Assists the Director of Alumni Relations and Development , the DOD and other University ARD gift officers with strategy and solicitation partnerships when necessary. 

• Participates in Lab ARD events and assists with the recruitment of participants in and sponsors of those events. Examples include Dewey Dance, Connections, new Family receptions, alumni events, etc. 

• Seeks out professional development opportunities to bring best practices in major gifts to Lab and will enhance job performance. Includes attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.

• Assists with ARD office functions, as assigned. 

• Identifies, analyzes, and qualifies donor interest to maximize giving. Helps with overall planning efforts for the University's most important prospects. Works independently to develop communication strategies for projects, including publications and public presentations.

• Works with Senior Leadership, Officers and Deans to design strategic objectives and action steps that will lead to the successful realization of these projects.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Five years or more relevant sales/marketing experience.

• Major gift experience at independent schools, higher education or not-for-profit organizations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient with fundraising databases and reporting tools such as Blackbaud products or Salesforce.

Preferred Competencies

• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality strongly preferred.

• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

• Self-motivated and take initiative. 

• Superior written and verbal communication skills strongly preferred.

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills strongly preferred.

• Work on own initiative, develop rapport, and work well with others strongly preferred.

• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately under strict deadlines strongly preferred.

• Thrive in a fast-paced office environment. 

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.

• Travel to campus for Lab Schools business. 

• Work evenings and weekends on occasion. 

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

About The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life—of thought and exploration—infuses all aspects of our curriculum, and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey—one of the great minds in education—established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today’s students still benefit from his vision, and today’s Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the fine...st employees—people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. Interested candidates should apply via our website at: http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment AA/EOE Statement: 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 773-834-1841 or by email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.

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Connections working at The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools