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Job Description

IES Abroad
Chief Development Officer
Chicago, IL

IES Abroad, a consortium of more than 175 leading U.S. colleges and universities and one of the nation's oldest, largest, and most reputable study abroad providers, seeks a self-directed Chief Development Officer (CDO) to build and lead a comprehensive development program that will assist the organization in achieving its long-term goals. These include strengthening the reach and quality of new programming initiatives; bolstering diversity and future innovations; and providing resources to support a range of ongoing operations, including financial aid.

Established in 1950 and headquartered in Chicago, each year over 5,000 students participate in more than 80 IES Abroad programs in 31 cities throughout the world. IES Abroad strives to deliver the highest quality education while simultaneously promoting the development of competent leaders who have both the understanding and skills to effectively, humanely, and positively navigate across cultures, in politics, education, business, or the non-profit sector.

Reporting to and working in close partnership with Dr. Mary M. Dwyer, IES Abroad's President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer will serve as a key member of the organization's senior management team to facilitate interactive advice and counsel on issues of strategic and operational significance. S/he will also staff the development related efforts of the Board of Directors and other volunteers. The CDO will focus his or her energies on designing and executing core development strategies and implementing essential functions, including individual/major gifts, corporate, foundation, and annual giving and prospect research, to meet the organization's fundraising objectives. Key to the development program's and the CDO's personal success is an ability to effectively interface with and leverage the knowledge, talents and resources of others throughout the organization.

Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of advancement-related experience and have played a leadership role within a successful campaign, and a well-established, yet entrepreneurial development program. S/he must have exceptional communications and interpersonal skills and the ability to gather and analyze data to develop and implement strategic decisions. Demonstrated personal qualities of integrity, self-confidence, team work, diplomacy, passion, and intellectual curiosity are essential.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Nominations, expressions of interest, and applications (including a cover letter and resume) should be submitted via email to IESAbroad@wittkieffer.com.

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