Job Description:
Position Summary
The Senior Director, Major Gifts is the lead individual fundraiser driving philanthropic support for The Chicago School, including the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine.
This is a builder's role with responsibility for establishing and growing a major gift prospect pipeline where limited fundraising infrastructure currently exists. You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and close six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, with fundraising focused on three core opportunities : The Chicago School Fund, the IllinoisCOM Fund, and the Clinical Psychology Impact Fellowship. You will work with the President and Executive Cabinet to determine how best to position the institution for these opportunities and build a donor pipeline where a limited one exists today.
This is an individual contributor fundraising position, not part of a large Advancement department. This role is best suited for a fundraiser who wants full ownership of a book of business with demonstrated ability to independently manage a major gift portfolio and achieve fundraising goals that advance the university’s mission.
The role is externally focused and based in Chicago, with an expectation that significant time will be spent engaging with donors and prospects outside the campus. Internal campaign management, including employee and trustee giving, is managed by the Director, Major Gifts. Occasional travel may be required.
The position is offered under an initial one-year employment agreement, with future renewal terms determined based on demonstrated performance and institutional needs.
What Success Looks Like
A qualified pipeline of principal and major gift prospects, sufficient to support an annual goal of $1M in new commitments across the university’s priority funds
Six- and seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments secured against the Chicago School’s four priorities: The Chicago School Fund, the IllinoisCOM Fund, the Clinical Psychology Impact Fellowship, and NRCI
A proposal-to-close ratio that reflects disciplined pipeline management, with prospects advancing consistently through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Clear, accurate, and consistent reporting on critical KPIs that advance annual goals
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Management & Closing Gifts
Build and manage a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects from the ground up, personally driving each prospect through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Prepare and negotiate proposals and gift agreements for six- and seven-figure commitments
Build new relationships with local, regional, and national funders aligned to the four priority funds; conduct prospect research and identification as needed
Design and execute donor stewardship plans for major donors, including gift acknowledgment, impact reporting, and ongoing engagement to ensure retention and upgrade of major and principal gift support
Work with the President and Executive Cabinet to determine how best to position the institution for the four priority funding opportunities
Collaboration and Management
Manage and coach Major Gifts personnel; set portfolio strategy together and review pipeline moves regularly
Oversee execution of employee and trustee giving campaigns, managed by Director, Major Gifts, ensuring alignment with overall fundraising strategy
Coordinate with External Affairs teams (including University Communications, Office of Sponsored Programs, Alumni Relations, and Public Affairs) and other institutional leaders as needed to ensure a cohesive strategy in support of university goals
Data Management and Reporting
Set annual fundraising goals. in conjunction with the President
Maintain and oversee accurate, timely records of all activity, moves, and next steps in Raiser's Edge, ensuring team compliance with university policies and procedures.
Report monthly on key metrics, including visits,…