University of Chicago · 2 months ago
Associate Director, Development, Court Theatre
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$81K/yr - $95K/yr
5+ years expThe University of Chicago is dedicated to innovation and community service through its Court Theatre. The Associate Director, Development, is responsible for managing fundraising programs and building relationships with donors to meet the University's contributed income goals.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Secures leadership annual and planned gifts, and works closely with the Director of Development to develop and execute strategies that support engaging and growing the Court Theatre donor base
Serves as a frontline gift officer; managing development communications; coordinating stewardship and donor relations; and leveraging programs, events, and performances to strengthen donor engagement
Builds and manages a portfolio of 75-125 individual prospects and $1-$3 million in booked gifts. In addition to portfolio management, partners with fundraising colleagues on multi-interest prospects to include Court solicitations in their overall prospect solicitation plans. Monitors progress against goals, ensuring deadlines are met
Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals or institutions that have the capacity and interest to make five and six-figure gift commitments to Court Theatre
Collaborates with the Central Arts and Culture team to lead discovery and prospect engagement activity for assigned regions or prospect segments with the goals of increasing contributed revenue, expanding the prospect pool, and growing the donor base to reflect the diversity and capacity of Court Theatre’s audiences
Manages development communications, namely to write appeal letters, briefings, and proposals; create and oversee donor content for print and digital publications; and collaborate and liaise with Court Theatre’s marketing department and Advancement’s communications and direct response teams to implement annual appeal letters
Develops and implements compelling plans for stewardship and donor relations, including coordination of Court Theatre’s giving societies such as the Producers Circle and Directors Circle, and look for new, innovative ways to engage donors and prospective donors to increase fundraising
In collaboration with Advancement office, assists in the planning and execution of strategic events, specifically but not exclusively, annual gala, Producers Circle and Directors Circle dinners, and Opening Nights, etc., designed to advance relationships with prospects, donors, and key volunteers
Builds knowledge and communicates effectively, both in writing and in meetings, about a range of Court Theatre programs, priorities, productions, and initiatives; and delivers prompt and effective follow-up to prospects and donors
Achieves personal fundraising activity goals monthly, quarterly, and annually
Maintains active and regular local travel schedule to meet with donors and prospective donors as needed
Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions
Establishes fundraising goals and priorities based on department objectives, designs strategies to meet those goals, and monitors progress against goals
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
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree
Advanced degree
Minimum five years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar field
Proven record of accomplishment in devising cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
Background working with volunteer leadership and/or board members
Demonstrated track record of success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant philanthropic commitments
Demonstrated project management experience
Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System
Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
Proficient in using Excel / spreadsheets
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
Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively
Self-motivated and take initiative
Knowledge of and affinity for the arts, theatre in particular
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
2025-10-23
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