Associate Director of Philanthropy

Elmhurst University

United States, Illinois, Elmhurst

190 South Prospect Avenue (Show on map)

Jun 30, 2025

Posting Text

Posting Number	S00653P
Position Status	Exempt
Reporting Relationship(s)	Senior Director of Philanthropy
Supervisory Relationships
Job Summary	Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Associate Director of Philanthropy position plays a critical role in advancing Elmhurst University's mission by fostering philanthropic engagement among alumni, families, friends, and partners. The primary responsibility of this position is to obtain private major and legacy gift support at the highest level to strengthen Elmhurst's standing as a premier institution for many years to come. The successful incumbent will build and manage relationships with donors capable of making major gifts of $5,000 or more.
Salary Range	$72,000 - $78,000. This is the expected salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience and education, and departmental budget.
Essential Functions	Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects within an assigned geographic region, collaborating with prospect research staff to assess giving capacity and philanthropic interests. Develops and executes comprehensive donor-specific strategies for engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to achieve monthly contact benchmarks and annual fundraising goals established by the Senior Director of Philanthropy. Creates individualized cultivation plans based on donor-centric relationship-building principles and informed by giving history, affinity, and potential. Collaborates with fellow Office of Institutional Advancement staff and key institutional leaders, including the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities. Prepares and presents compelling proposals that connect donors' passions and interests with institutional needs to create meaningful philanthropic opportunities. Initiates and facilitates conversations about planned giving with portfolio and non-portfolio donors when appropriate. Maintains consistent and proactive communication with donors and prospects through meetings, phone calls, written correspondence, and timely follow-up on inquiries and gift acknowledgments. Demonstrates strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills by contributing ideas constructively, listening openly, honoring commitments, communicating progress clearly, resolving conflicts respectfully, and valuing diverse perspectives. Adheres to established timelines and ensures accurate tracking and timely completion of tasks and follow-ups. Serves as a frontline ambassador of the University, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of institutional priorities, goals, and initiatives. Represents the University outside of standard business hours and during evenings or weekends, as needed. Travels on behalf of the University, as needed.
Other Duties and Responsibilities	Supports mission, vision and values of Elmhurst University. Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement. Performs other duties and completes special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications	A Bachelor's degree. 3- 5 years of relevant experience in major gift fundraising or a related field. A proven track record of successful major gift fundraising. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work evenings and weekends as well as travel overnight for several days at a time, when required. Demonstrated ability to work independently. A strong work ethic with an ability to work alone and within a larger team. Ability to collaborate within and across campus departments. Goal-oriented, results-focused.
Preferred Qualifications	Belief in and the ability to represent the Elmhurst University mission and core values. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and familiarity with appropriate fundraising tools. Knowledge of donor recordkeeping databases, preferably Blackbaud the Raiser's Edge, and data-tracking abilities related to prospects and donors.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements	Employee is subject to indoor work, protected from weather conditions. Work is sedentary in nature and involves exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently/constantly in order to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Work Hours
Posting Date	06/27/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants	An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here . Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students acquire knowledge and skills for enduring success. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study, more than 20 graduate and certificate programs in flexible formats, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst University ranks among the top 10 best regional colleges and universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a critical component of the University's mission, vision and core values. Our commitment stems from the belief that an institution of higher learning is enriched by the presence of diversity. Elmhurst University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.