Senior Analyst, Fundraising Performance Analytics

Department

ARD Prospect Management 1.2

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

The Prospect Development and Decision Support (PDDS) team maximizes the value of fundraising data and systems to Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) staff and the University. We offer insight derived from analytics and qualitative research to drive fundraising strategy. We help staff members to work more effectively with data and technology through staff education programs, process and system design services, and change management planning. Working at the individual, team, and organizational level, we help make ARD staff informed, efficient, and successful in their efforts to maximize the University of Chicago’s fundraising and engagement potential.

Job Summary

This role conducts biographical and financial research on individuals, corporations, and/or foundations to support fundraising. Identifies prospective donors using research and analysis through use of standard procedures. Forecasts and measures the effectiveness of the fiscal year and overall campaign progress, which will help employees in the job acquire higher-level knowledge and skills. Designs, manages, and executes development strategies and programs to maximize philanthropic support for the University’s priorities. Increases engagement and participation of the University’s worldwide community of alumni, parents, families and friends via diversified communication programs and activities.

Responsibilities

• Assists in developing and refining analytical models that enhance fundraising strategies across the prospect lifecycle, including annual giving, major gifts, principal gifts, and planned giving.
• Develops and maintains a suite of reports and dashboards to inform and drive forward management of prospect relationships.
• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of fundraising data, continuously monitoring and updating datasets used in analysis and reporting.
• Conducts regular trend analysis on donor behavior and fundraising performance, providing actionable insights to improve strategies.
• Monitors and reports on officer productivity and impact related to campaign initiatives, offering regular updates and insights.
• Employs technology and data tools such as Salesforce, Tableau, Enterprise Data Hub, Python, and CRM Analytics to develop strong analytical resources.
• Assists in preparing data and analysis to support senior leadership in decision-making processes.
• Incorporates insights from the field of behavioral economics to develop resources that promote a bias for action and create efficiency in fundraising efforts.
• Provides ad hoc analytical support as requested, generating insights and recommendations for specific fundraising initiatives.
• Documents analytical processes and identifies opportunities for improving data management and analysis efficiency.
• Assists in training staff on the effective use of analytical tools and resources, promoting data-informed decision-making across the organization.
• Continuously researches and applies best practices in the world of philanthropy and higher education advancement to maintain a high standard of performance.
• Works closely with IT and data teams to enhance data systems, tools, and integration, supporting comprehensive fundraising analytics.
• Carries out other related work as needed to support the financial analytics and overall fundraising efforts of the organization.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development to enhance job performance, including networking within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions, with a focus on diversifying the advancement profession.
• Conducts prospect research, prospect management, strategic planning and market research on prospects and donors.
• Works with prospect management University-wide to design and execute strategies to grow the size of the prospect pool with a moderate level of guidance and direction.
• May provide guidance to analysts, train staff members on fundraising, report writing, and research.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years experience analyzing and synthesizing complex data sets.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn , the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's Donor Relationship Management System.
• Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
• Produce highly readable, informative reports.
• Proficient with Tableau Desktop and SAP Business Objects.
• Familiarity with statistical software packages, such as SPSS, SAS, STATA, and R.
• Expertise with a variety of analytical and database software.
• Understanding of basic statistics.

Preferred Competencies

• Analytics skills.
• Making focused recommendations to business leaders.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Alumni Relations & Development

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,125.00 - $82,500.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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