Director, Strategic Initiatives

DePaul University Athletics

Director managing DePaul University advancement initiatives, donor outreach, and SVP special projects. Coordinating philanthropy committees, campaigns, fundraising commitments, and university leadership communications.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $64,662 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong project management capabilities, including campaign planning and execution, while effectively communicating with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Exhibits excellent organizational, analytical, and writing skills to support strategic initiatives and donor engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementCampaign PlanningExcellent Communication SkillsDonor EngagementOrganizational Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proposal WritingCampaign DevelopmentStrategic PlanningData AnalysisPresentation Development

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCreativityInitiativeDiscretionRelationship Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Baccalaureate Degree

Industry Keywords

PhilanthropyHigher EducationVolunteer ManagementFundraisingBoard of Trustees

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the Senior Vice President's special projects and donor outreach
Coordinate with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, donors, the public, external agencies, and internal constituencies on behalf of the SVP and university
Collaborate with university administrative and academic leadership
Serve as a resource and liaison for the SVP's donor portfolio, vice presidents, deans, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, donors, and Congregation of the Mission communities
Coordinate divisional planning and priorities as a high-level project manager
Develop project plans, track progress, maintain schedules, and hold the leadership team accountable for results
Coordinate Board of Trustees Philanthropy Committee meetings, communications, events, and trustee participation
Analyze reports, research, and other content to develop presentations and materials for the Philanthropy Committee, Board of Trustees, and President's Office
Create and manage business processes, including campaign development processes
Assist the SVP with policy and strategy development
Conduct proposal writing, including pre-proposals and design elements for significant gift asks
Develop and execute communications for the university
Oversee administration of the SVP office
Ensure philanthropic commitments are made by Board of Trustees members and coordinate fundraising activity
Work with financial planners and stakeholders to ensure commitments are made and gifts are closed
Manage the SVP's calendar, schedule meetings, arrange travel, prepare expense reports, and reconcile pro-card expenses

Requirements

What you’ll need

Baccalaureate degree, required
Minimum of 5 years progressive development experience including involvement in campaign planning and execution for academic institutions
Excellent communications skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills
Experience building and communicating campaign strategies
Significant experience working with volunteers and volunteer groups
Sound organizational ability, a high degree of energy creativity and initiative
Strong organizational and analytical skills with ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and advance strategic plans and programs
Demonstrated ability to develop good working relationships with internal and external constituency groups
Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors
Ability to project the unique aims and values of DePaul University and its donors and alumni
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet challenging and changing deadlines
Demonstrated ability to develop plans, support implementation of programs, manage and implement change
Ability to maintain highly confidential information on a variety of sensitive subjects
Resume and cover letter required
Employment contingent on passing a background check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits
Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more
Full-Time Benefits
Working for a stable and well-known University