Full-Time Administration

North Chicago, IL, US

Position Summary

As a member of the Division of Institutional Advancement (IA), the Senior Director of Gift Planning (Senior Director) will serve as a member of the individual and planned giving fundraising team. The Senior Director manages the processes of identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospective donors with the capacity to make an estate gift, a gift from a retirement asset, a recommendation to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), or a blended gift in the range of $10,000 or greater with a focus on alumni, friends, and other supportive constituencies. The Senior Director is responsible and accountable for the planning and implementation, process management, and key performance indicator analysis of this gift work. The successful candidate will also play a critical and collaborative role in RFU’s Empowering Scholars Campaign to ensure student success, as well as, assist in other fundraising efforts to address health equity, advance innovation in research and education, and guide philanthropic partnerships to support the aspirations of the university. The Senior Director will be relationship-centric, mission-driven, detail-and process-oriented, inquisitive and self-motivated, and a collaborative problem solver in support of the achievement of the Division of Institutional Advancement and its support of university initiatives.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after two years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. Full-time staff members are eligible for three weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.

Today, the university’s six colleges continue Dr Franklin’s legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in various settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices and is nationally recognized for its research in neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Primarily focuses on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of estate, DAF/IRA, and other suspects and prospects.

• Develop a keen understanding of the university’s funding priorities and specific projects.

• Works collaboratively with University Leaders, IA Team Members, and others to understand funding priorities and devise solicitation strategies.

• Wisely and judiciously uses the additional divisional resources of prospect research, data intelligence, and stewardship to augment individual prospect and donor plans.

• Contributes in a timely and accurate way to the records and data tracking processes.

• Collaboratively develops, promotes, and coordinates the interaction of potential and current donors with others who can deepen the prospective donor’s engagement with the university.

• Collaboratively develops, implements, and executes solicitation strategies for prospective donors.

• Promotes and integrates consistent education around the area of gift planning.

• Actively manages the university’s estate gift, DAF, and beneficiary portfolio.

• Develops individual solicitation strategies and writes fundraising proposals.

• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally to plan and execute visits with donors and prospective donors that move them toward greater engagement and philanthropy.

• Serve as divisional liaison for gift planning and to colleges or programs as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.

• Compliance with the current COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum of three years of experience in development, non-profit management, or complementary field.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience strategically developing and successfully executing institutional advancement, constituent relations, donor stewardship, strategic communications, or public relations activities.

• Understanding of Gift Planning (e.g. estate, DAF, beneficiary) techniques and vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree

• CFRE or equivalent certifications

• Experience in higher education and a working familiarity with AFP, AAMC CASE, or other professional development organizations.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidates must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets