Senior Development Associate, Principal Gifts

About the Department

Medicine and Biological Sciences Development’s mission is to inspire and facilitate philanthropy at the University of Chicago Medicine by building relationships with those who share its goals of advancing excellence in research, education, community, and patient care. We accomplish this mission through expertise, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.

The position implements programs designed to meet fundraising goals for contributed income with moderate guidance. The role helps build relationships with alumni, faculty, administrators and organizations who have the potential to make gifts, and executes communication strategies for projects.

• Responsible for performing complex and diverse responsibilities in support of fundraising goals for Medicine & Biological Sciences Development (MBSD).
• Act as a Secondary Moves Manager to facilitate, organize, and execute fundraising and stewardship activities for the Senior Associate Vice President and Senior Director, Principal Gifts.
• Manage logistics and prepare strategic interactions aimed at qualifying, soliciting, and stewarding the medical center’s highest level (principal gift) donors and prospects.
• Drive strategy and next steps following visits and faculty meetings.
• Facilitate internal meetings and fundraiser visits with current and prospective donors to advance prospect strategy.
• Remain current on institutional priorities, programs, events, and engagement opportunities and maintain a general understanding of the diverse research priorities of the University and UC Medicine.
• Prepare briefing documents for cultivation, solicitation, and recognition visits.
• Write briefings, proposals, and fundraising materials for specific audiences such as donors, family foundations, corporations, or volunteer solicitors to support annual fundraising goals.
• Draft acknowledgements, special greetings, and cultivation letters, and produce high‑volume messaging for Senior Associate Vice President, Senior Director, Principal Gifts, and other executive‑level staff.
• Act as project manager for proposals and other written documents, coordinating with the Marketing and Communications team.
• Assist with managing a portfolio of faculty to advance prospect relationships and identify funding opportunities.
• Support the stewardship of portfolio donors who are in stewardship for existing principal gifts.
• Coordinate recognition and stewardship with the Donor Relations team.
• Perform basic prospect research to inform briefings, strategy, proposals, and solicitations.
• Collaborate with the Prospect Development team on research needs and negotiate timelines.
• Utilize and maintain a donor database to track prospective donor activity and interests.
• Assist in raising $25M+ in new gifts and pledges.
• Support qualification of 4+ PG prospects each year.
• Build relationships with a variety of individuals within the University’s divisions and departments who make charitable gifts.
• Work with others to maximize prospective donor cultivation.
• Perform related work as needed.

College or university degree in a related field (required).

• Minimum 2–5 years of related work experience in development or a related field.

• Minimum two years of relevant work experience in development or a related field such as public relations, sales, marketing, or a non‑profit organization.
• Experience in a university setting or a similarly complex institution.
• Familiarity with database applications.

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of the University’s internal workings and technology tools available to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high degree of flexibility and initiative.
• Familiarity with online resources.
• An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with a talented team.
• Familiarity with the University of Chicago.

• Office environment (hybrid schedule).
• Ability to travel and attend evening and…