Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations, Sciences

Company: The University Of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

DepartmentARD Foundation & Corporate Relations
About the DepartmentAlumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (-220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

The Foundation and Corporate Relations team (FCR) works across the University, often directly with unit leadership and faculty, to encourage collaboration, develop submissions, and secure funding from major independent foundations and corporations.
Job SummaryThis role uses specialized knowledge and breadth of expertise to lead University-wide development programs focused on foundations, corporations, fundraising associations and other institutional sources of philanthropic support. Monitors the setting and the achievement of fund raising goals with minimal guidance from others.Responsibilities

• Represents the University and serves as primary ARD liaison for non-biological science fundraising from a broad range of independent foundations, corporate foundations and family foundations. Oversees, plans and implements high level initiatives to sustain and extend the University's relationships with, and support by, independent foundations.
• Annually conducts/supports at least 25 visits, submits at least 25 proposals at the $100K+ level totaling $14M-$30M+, and raises $5M-$8M+.
• Independently analyzes foundation interests, assess opportunities, and pursues major and principal gift level foundation support for selected University programs.
• Serves as FCR liaison for key campaign strategic initiatives, including Computing and AI, and Climate and Sustainable Growth.
• Proactively maintains a deep knowledge of faculty projects and institutional initiatives and strategic priorities that align well with foundation interests.
• Supervises staff. Leads, coaches and evaluates performance of direct report/s.
• Oversees FCR Limited Opportunity arm and growth plan for the campaign, including continued enhanced efforts to partner with VPR office and units to ensure highest quality applicants for prestigious national awards.
• Explores feasibility of creating a dedicated Corporate Relations position on the team, advises Executive Director on recommendations, serves as manager and oversees FCR Corporate Engagement arm if advanced.
• Collaborates and coordinates with key partners across campus, including deans, institute and center directors, faculty leaders, program directors and senior administrators to conceptualize research programs. Identifies emerging program areas with funding promise and assists in the development of new projects.
• Takes an entrepreneurial approach to developing and monitoring strategies for a portfolio of assigned foundations. Contacts foundation and corporate program officers on a regular basis to proactively explore areas of synergy and introduce faculty and programs to foundation officers.
• Partners with Executive Director to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen and increase corporate engagement and philanthropy.
• Works with others to manage requests for support, prepares required reports, and develops and implements ways to promote, cultivate, and steward foundation activities across campus.
• Defines and coordinates opportunities for inclusion of foundation representatives in campus activities and special programs, both as cultivation for new grants and as stewardship for existing grants.
• Assists faculty in defining programs and budgetary needs for presentation to foundations. Prepares correspondence and other materials for senior leaders and faculty.
• Works with the Office of Science, Innovation, National Laboratories, and Global Initiatives (SING) to ensure that foundation funding is thoroughly integrated into the development pipeline of complex research initiatives.
• Manages the execution of multiple projects, enlisting support of other staff where appropriate.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Leads requests for support, prepare required reports, and develop and implement ways to promote, cultivate, and steward foundation activities across campus. Defines, plans, and coordinates opportunities for inclusion of foundation representatives in campus activities and special programs, both as cultivation for new grants and as stewardship for existing grants.
• Meets with prospects through personal visits, phone contact, and by promoting program benefits. Independently develops proposals and raising gifts from corporate donors for all restricted corporate gifts, including identification of opportunities, composing solicitation letters, communication with the prospects, and supervision of the gift acknowledgment process.
• Performs other related work as needed.
  Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
  Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
  Certifications:---Preferred QualificationsEducation:
  • Undergraduate science degree.
  • Graduate science degree.Experience:
    • A minimum of seven years of professional work experience in science, nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales or similar work.
    • A minimum of four years of experience leading a project team or managing staff.
    • A minimum of two years of experience developing and monitoring budgets.
    • A minimum two years of experience working closely and collaboratively with senior leadership, trustees and board members.
    • A proven record of accomplishment in solicitations and cultivation of prospective donors, or sales and client development.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 (the University's Donor Relationship Management System), and AURA (the University's Research Administration System).
      • Proficient in Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Preferred Competencies
        • Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
        • High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
        • Self-motivated and take initiative.
        • Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
        • Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
        • Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
        • Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
        • Plan, organize and manage a wide range of activities involving extensive coordination with individuals in and outside of the University.
        • Strong leadership qualities, including both to delegate and execute, thereby leading by word and example.
        • Demonstrated experience in philanthropy or program development.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)
              When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
              Job FamilyAlumni Relations & Development
              Role ImpactIndividual Contributor
              Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5
              Drug Test RequiredNo
              Health Screen RequiredNo
              Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo
              Pay Rate TypeSalary
              FLSA StatusExempt
              Pay Range$114,750.00 - $135,000.00The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
              Benefits EligibleYesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .
              Posting StatementThe University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.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: http://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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Keywords: The University Of Chicago, Chicago , Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations, Sciences, Executive , Chicago, Illinois