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 ye