Chicago, IL

Manager, Institutional Advancement, Erikson Institute

The Organization

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. 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).

Position Overview

With supervision from the Associate Director of Development, the Manager of Institutional Advancement leads the planning and execution for Annual Fund campaigns and special events related to Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations. The Manager of Institutional Advancement will primarily be responsible for direct mail and online giving, and donor relations. Additionally, the Manager will coordinate and manage Erikson’s annual fundraising and cultivation events, and alumni events (on and off campus). The position will also actively participate in IA fundraising strategy and be responsible for achieving and tracking annual fundraising benchmarks and goals. The Manager will have interactions with Trustees, donors, alums, and act as a liaison for the Advancement team within Erikson and the ability to exercise discretion and judgment.

Roles and Responsibilities

·       Work closely with the Associate Director of Development to develop strategies to reach annual giving goals consistent with institute-wide fund raising and alumni relations initiatives.

·       Lead the development of a comprehensive annual appeal program that incorporates strategies to engage current donors, attract new donors, increase average gift amounts and encourage participation from Erikson friends and alumni.

·       Responsible for managing and implementing annual direct mail appeals customized to donor segments in collaboration with Advancement and Communications staff. Working with the Marketing and Communications Project Manager to establish timelines; manage project and production relationships with external print and mail house vendors.

·       Make connections between and among people, events, and programs to foster development of donor relationships, increased support, and philanthropy at all levels of the gift pyramid.

·       Chief author of donor and alumni e-newsletters.

·       Measure and monitor progress against goals and manage course changes as needed.

·       Provide excellent service to donors and volunteers by anticipating needs and responding promptly to requests.

·       Coordinate and assist in planning events (logistics, invitations, program planning).

·       Ensure that records on individual donors and donor prospects are maintained to support ongoing activity and future fund raising.

·       Assist in recruitment, training and direction of volunteers in alumni relations and development activities.

Required Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree

·       3+ years of Development experience and/or related experience in a higher education setting.

·       Prior experience with fundraising software. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge v7+ preferred.

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Power Point) – strong emphasis on Excel.

How To Apply

To Apply:

Please email, fax, or mail a cover letter and resume to:

Associate Director of Development
Erikson Institute
451 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654
fax:  312.893.7229
email: arickard@erikson.edu

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