DIRECTOR, INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Description

Erikson Institute, a graduate school in child development located in downtown Chicago, is seeking to hire a Director for Individual Giving. The Director is responsible for inspiring, broadening and deepening the support of individual donors to Erikson. S/he leads the strategy and management of annual fund raising cultivation, solicitation and stewardship programs and provides leadership in the continuing development of a major gift/planned giving program. S/he is an articulate spokesperson for Erikson and its programs and priorities in the philanthropic community.  S/he reports to the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement and works closely with the Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations to plan and execute strategies for leadership gifts

Roles & Responsibilities:
A. As a senior member in Advancement, play key role in department planning, strategy, and management. Work closely with the V.P. and Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations to expand the base of donors and increase engagement and gift commitments from existing donors.
B. Lead efforts to increase support from individuals to Erikson through annual fund programs, and major gift fund raising. Meet and exceed fund raising goals.
C. Develop and implement strategies for cultivation and solicitation of potential donors and manage stewardship of gifts in partnership with the VP, Erikson Board members, president and faculty and directors.
D. Manage a leadership gift portfolio.
E. Solicit gifts and provide support in gift solicitations for senior management, faculty and trustees. 
F. Develop tracking and reporting systems for individual gift activity and results.
G. Maintain records on individual donors and potential donors to support ongoing activity and future fund raising.
H. Work with the V.P., president and faculty to develop gift opportunities.
I. Provide staff support for the Board of the Alumni of Erikson Institute.
J. Provide staff support for the Development Committee. Assist the V.P.in work with the Development Committee of the Board.
K. Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with colleagues, trustees, alumni, volunteers and donors.
L. Prepare and manage budgets.
M. Perform other duties as assigned.

About Erikson
Founded in 1966, Erikson Institute is one of the nation's leading graduate schools in child development and early childhood education. It is a private, independent, NCA-accredited graduate school offering master's degrees, a Ph.D., graduate certificates, and professional development courses in child development and early childhood education. Erikson provides a variety of employee benefits, including excellent health and dental plans, life/disability insurance, transit stipend, matching retirement contributions, and more. To learn more, visit our Web site at www.erikson.edu

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.  In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

Mandatory Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of development experience with demonstrated success in annual giving and major gifts.  Knowledge of planned giving and campaign experience preferred.
• Experience in managing staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Power Point).
• Prior experience with fundraising software. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge v7 preferred.
• Interest in all aspects of early childhood education and practice. Ability to understand and explain Erikson programs and funding priorities to current and potential individual donors.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors and secure gifts.
• Demonstrated record of meeting personal goals and guiding staff to meet team goals.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others (management, trustees, faculty and staff) to accomplish goals.
• Aptitude for analysis, interpretation, and translation of information.
• Creativity and experience in the development of gift strategies, programs, and solicitation materials that will inspire donors. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Flexible enough to handle multiple projects in a fast paced, understaffed environment.
• Curious and thoughtful approach to work characterized by a desire to solve problems and continuously improve quality of work.
• Discretion in handling confidential information and materials.