University of Chicago · 14 hours ago
Executive Director, Development
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$235K/yr - $270K/yr
10+ years expThe University of Chicago is a prestigious institution known for its influential business education and practices. They are seeking an Executive Director of Development to lead and drive the strategic direction of Chicago Booth’s Major Gifts and Annual Giving programs, focusing on enhancing donor engagement and increasing philanthropic investments.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of Major Gifts and Annual Giving programs, which focus on gifts below $10 million, ensuring alignment with Booth priorities
Supports Booth Advancement and the CAO’s relationships with the Dean and faculty in developing fundraising priorities and preparing for donor engagements
Drives expansion of Chicago Booth’s donor pipeline in partnership with Alumni Engagement, Communications, Donor Relations, Prospect Management and Research, Events, and other internal teams leveraging volunteer leadership, reunion giving, and milestone-based engagement strategies
Sets ambitious goals for the leadership annual giving especially the Dean’s Society, reunion giving, and major gift programs, including gift officer activity to help support Booth’s fundraising targets
Strengthens a culture of philanthropy for new and existing donors at all levels, including the broad base of those giving below $2,500
Manages a select portfolio of major and principal gift prospects capable of $1M+ gifts
Serves as a member of the Principal Gifts team, contributing to coordinated cultivation strategies for Booth’s highest-level prospects
Alongside alumni engagement, oversees strategic market plans in primary and secondary regions to deepen engagement and expand cultivation opportunities
Develops annual and campaign-aligned fundraising plans for Major Gifts and Annual Giving
Leads, mentors, and grows a high-performing fundraising team, promoting a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
Contributes to strategic planning as a member of the senior leadership team and supports the work of the Council on Chicago Booth, which is led by Alumni Engagement
Oversees the development of department strategies and plans to achieve fundraising goals
Provide leadership and assessment of staff
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 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Program management experience
Relevant experience managing academic research projects and/or working in higher education
Background leading a team that works in multiple locations
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills
Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes
Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion skills
Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods, such as in-person, email, and phone
Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach
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
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
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