Philanthropy Advisor

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Philanthropy Advisor. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Development and is located in River Forest, IL.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Engages and develops a portfolio of major gift donors, maintaining 125-150 prospects with a goal of 8-10 solicitations of $10,000 or more per month
• Builds philanthropic relationships with alumni, friends, parents, students, corporations, foundations, and other potential donors in support of the mission and strategic priorities of Concordia University Chicago
• Manages donor and prospect relationships and identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors while working closely with volunteers, faculty and staff
• Holds the highest standards and practices of professional fundraising utilizing donor-centered methods
• Travels regularly with occasional overnight travel within the U.S. for donor and prospect visits, making a minimum of 75-100 prospect and donor visits per year
• Focuses on developing a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Collaborates with the Associate Vice President and colleagues to evaluate and recommend strategies and tactics and develop proposals, reports and collateral materials.
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Skill Sets:

• Highly motivated and capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative team environment with high goals, direction and accountability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly communicative, detail-oriented and well-organized with demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks.
• University or college development and planned giving experience preferred.
• Computer literacy required including an understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), relevant internet search skills and comfortable in donor database tracking programs.
• Adherence to the mission, vision and values of the University, as well as serving as a strong ambassador of same to all constituents.

Minimum Experience Required:

3-5 years of development/direct fund raising experience

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree or higher and CFRE designation preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

In compliance with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's Executive Order 2021-20, Concordia University Chicago requires all on-campus faculty and staff to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing. Further information regarding Concordia's response to COVID-19 can be found here.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.