Director of Development, Corporate Relations

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are located in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a Director of Development, Corporate Relations.

POSITION SUMMARY

In collaboration with the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Development for Corporate Relations is responsible for leading engagement with companies and developing and stewarding beneficial relationships that advance the mission of Columbia College Chicago. The Director will direct and lead the fundraising efforts for corporate support for all programs at the college, as well as special fundraising initiatives and signature events. The Director will design and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, secure, and steward major and leadership gifts. The Director will partner with faculty, staff, senior administrators, and volunteers to understand, interpret, and promote the college's programs and initiatives. A Flexible Work Arrangement may be available for this position in mutual agreement with the VP of Development and Alumni Relations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess current and potential giving needs and opportunities to create and implement plans to maximize support from corporations, locally and nationally.

• Manage a portfolio of corporate prospects to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts

• Conduct prospect research, and devise and execute plans to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate funders.

• Coordinate with faculty and staff to explore, synthesize, articulate, and prioritize ideas for corporate support, and develop written products (narratives, proposals, letters, reports, case materials, acknowledgments, etc.) that capture and relay need and opportunity in compelling ways.

• Communicate with and respond to corporate program officers as appropriate, and ensure that all proposal and reporting requirements are met.

• Develop proposals for corporate prospects in support of priority projects

• Travel and attend networking events on behalf of the college.

• Infuse creativity, innovation, expertise, and insight into relationship development

• Builds, networks and nurtures effective working relationships with senior leadership, deans, faculty, and staff to identify and prioritize corporate funding needs.

• Keep abreast of giving trends and practices of giving programs in Chicago, and around the country.

• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Five years of fundraising and/or corporate relations experience is preferred. Higher education experience is desired.

• Knowledge of creative industries and the Chicago marketplace is preferred

• Must be inclusive, collaborative, and demonstrate exceptional oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated record of revenue productivity and growth

• Familiarity with customer/donor relationship management software

• High level of integrity and trustworthiness, mature judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information

• Commitment to the mission of Columbia College Chicago, and evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth

• Display sensitivity to issues of diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion

• Ability to interact with senior corporate executives, alumni, volunteers, and college administrators in a professional manner that instills confidence in the college and its programs

• Proven ability to be a self-starter, proactively lead, offer opinions and direction, and operate with a sense of urgency, drive, and energy.

• Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours when necessary.

This is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.

Additional Information

• Position subject to a background screening.

• This is a non-union position.

• This position is overtime ineligible.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.