Development Associate

Job Description

Title: Development Associate

Reports to: Director of Foundation and Donor Relations
Start Date: November 1 (Flexible)
Status: Full-Time (Exempt), Benefits Eligible

The Lumen Christi Institute (LCI) seeks a Development Associate to join its growing team. The Institute's mission is to make the Catholic intellectual tradition a vital part of the secular university and the broader culture.

The Lumen Christi Institute was founded at the University of Chicago in 1997, inspired by a vision articulated by Catholic scholars at the university. The Institute engages the university community in dialogue about the Catholic intellectual tradition through lectures, conferences, seminars, reading groups, and non-credit courses led by both renowned scholars and students. LCI's work has inspired the establishment of similar organizations across the country. In 2022 the Institute established the In Lumine Network, a consortium of Catholic institutes at non Catholic colleges and universities. LCI's programming also serves the wider Chicago community through in-person events and has grown a national audience through its online programs.

The Lumen Christi Institute offers a work environment that prioritizes learning, fosters personal and professional development, and encourages innovation in promoting the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Institute is a community of lifelong learners, committed to integrating the intellectual and spiritual life and to forming leaders who will bring Christian wisdom to the secular university and our society.

Position Summary

The Development Associate will join a thriving team that has secured donations and commitments totaling $20 million in the past three years. The associate will play a key role in the development team by expanding our donor base and strengthening our major gift pipeline.

Position Responsibilities

- Manage a portfolio of promising mid-level donors and prospects through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process.
- Make qualification phone calls and schedule meetings with major gift prospects to grow our donor pipeline in accordance with performance targets.
- In partnership with executive director and the director of foundation and donor relations, draft compelling fundraising proposals for solicitations of individuals and foundations.
- Make use of the prospect management database (Raiser's Edge) and other institutional resources to ensure appropriate management of donors, prospects, and alumni of the Institute.
- Learn about and participate in Institute events in order to ensure alignment between development and programming efforts.
- Administer the donor benefits of the Founder's Society (Lumen Christi's giving society), and ensure that donors are thanked and stewarded.
- Build relationships with young professionals and alumni of the Institute.
- Attend events as needed to build relationships and represent the Institute.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

- A strong understanding and commitment to the Lumen Christi Institute's mission.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability and eagerness to connect with people, comfortable on the phone and in-person.
- High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
- Work well independently as well as part of a team.
- Adeptness at using MS Office and learning new technologies.
- Development experience and database experience (Raiser's Edge or another CRM software) are desirable.

Compensation

Base salary is $55,000 (negotiable), with benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and short and long-term disability insurance, PTO, and a 403b plan.

Application Procedure

Please email a cover letter and resume, with "Development Associate" in the subject line, to jobs@lumenchristi.org.

About the Employer

To make the Catholic Intellectual Tradition a vital part of the secular university.