Strategic Development Project Lead

About The Department ADV Development. The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty, researchers, practitioners, patients, and students across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. Job Summary The Project Manager, Strategic Development Planning, supports the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer (CDO) by providing strategic planning, project management, and analytical support for Development priorities, with a particular focus on supporting the prioritization and execution of the CDO’s highest impact priorities. This position uses best practices and knowledge of non‑technical projects from conception to completion. Assembles teams and develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports while being the point of contact for those projects. As the Advancement division enters a period of increased complexity and scale associated with a comprehensive campaign, this role is designed to provide dedicated capacity for development‑related planning, coordination, and execution across development teams. The role works closely with the CDO and Advancement teams to translate strategic direction into actionable plans, track progress across initiatives, and support disciplined execution of top priorities. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate with credibility across multiple stakeholders across Advancement and the broader University. Responsibilities Partners with the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer to support planning, priorities, and decision‑making. Develops and maintains integrated project plans, charters, and status reports to promote transparency and shared accountability. Translates strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, structured work plans, timelines, and measurable milestones across development teams. Tracks progress against established goals, proactively identifying risks, gaps, and interdependencies requiring alignment or escalation. Coordinates cross‑functional workstreams, stakeholders, and deliverables to support timely execution of major initiatives. Supports development‑related planning, coordination, and execution, including roadmap development and milestone tracking. Provides organizational structure, analytical support, and meeting facilitation to sustain momentum and clarity during a period of increased development complexity and scale. Supports the CDO in moves management, including creating briefing developments, synthesizing input from stakeholders, and tracking CDO activity to inform priorities, such as trip planning and identifying key donor meetings and engagements. Develops concise strategic briefings, synthesis materials, and presentations to support informed decision‑making, working with appropriate Advancement teams to ensure organizational alignment. Supports alignment of the CDO’s time, attention, and focus with highest‑impact initiatives, including development strategy, fundraising priorities, and external partnerships. Drafts, refines, and supports development of strategic narratives, communications, and planning materials. Provides strong preparation to the CDO for presentations and external meetings. Represents the CDO in selected meetings to advance priority initiatives and ensure alignment. Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars and seminars; and building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions. Works somewhat independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects. Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications College or university degree in a related field. Work Experience 5–7 years of experience in a related job discipline. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree. Minimum five years of professional experience in advancement, campaign planning, strategic planning, project management, or related fields. Experience in development strategy, including moves management. Data analysis and communicating complex topics to non‑technical people. Managing complex cross‑team projects with multiple stakeholders. Technical Skills or Knowledge Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System. Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Preferred Competencies Highly organized with strong project management discipline. Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Explain complex ideas clearly and simply. 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 Hybrid work schedule 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. Position located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court. Not eligible for employer‑sponsored employment authorization. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (preferred) Benefits The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Pay Range $89,250.00 – $105,000.00 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Chicago