The Organization
Governors State University (GSU) is the only regional, public, comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 7,750 students annually. GSU provides accessible, high value undergraduate and graduate education to culturally and economically diverse students. GSU offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies.
Students benefit from the university’s high academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasing hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value.
The exceptionally beautiful campus is conveniently located within easy reach by road and rail to Chicago and surroundin communities that have a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GSU serves has a number of high performing schools and engaged communities as well as urban, suburban, and rural communities. GSU seeks to serve as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.
Position Overview
The Institutional Advancement Officer will foster constituent relationships in order to establish strategic partnerships in line with the mission and vision of the Office of Development and Governors State University (GSU) Foundation. This individual will match constituent interest with partnership opportunities across campus and have the ability to discuss alternative giving vehicles and asset allocation. The Institutional Advancement Officer works under the administrative guidance of the Vice President of Development and CEO of the GSU Foundation; and determines own daily priorities and how to achieve agreed upon long-term goals. The Institutional Advancement Officer performs duties in adherence with established university policies, regulations, and standard code of ethics.
Essential Responsibilities:
Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni, prospects, corporations, corporate foundations; and represent the Development office to stakeholders in order to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships that result in funding for immediate and long-term goals of the University. Maintain a high-quality stewardship process for active corporate and foundation prospects and donors, ensuring that stewardship and reporting requirements are met to sustain successful partnerships by maintaining detailed records of solicitation activities.
Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive proactive corporate and foundation development plan that leads to increased philanthropic support; conceptualize and develop highly competitive proposals for corporate and foundation prospects that align corporate and foundation goals and preferences with University priorities.
Initiate opportunities for the President, deans, faculty, and administrators to interact with alumni, corporate and foundation prospects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Abilitily to meet with constituents throughout the region.
Abilitiy to achieve the overall mission and vision of the University.
Skilled and cultured representation of the University when dealing with external constituents through all communication vehicles.
Have the ability to initate and drive to overcome objections.
Engage in discussions about various asset allocations.
Interact effectively with university leadership, advisory board members, and university staff.
Interact with constituents with a high level of sensitivity, confidentiality and professionalism.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Travel:
Some travel is required for this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Ability to coordinate a variety of tasks simultaneously and handle tension and stress in a positive manner.
Strong writing skills.
Demonstrates strong analytical skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
1-3 years demonstrated successful constituent managment experience.
Work Schedule:
Work venues vary from office, to social events, to presentations, to large and small meetings and interactions with individuals, involving a variety of environments.
Evening and weekend work is often required.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please provide a list of three professional references with current contact information.
How To Apply