Associate Director, Executive Operations

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, seeks an Associate Director to support presidential engagement with donors, alumni, and community leaders. You will coordinate high-profile presidential events, travel, and donor engagement activities, ensuring seamless on-site operations for leadership and guests.

The role requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, and offers a hybrid work arrangement (up to two days remote, three on site).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher required.
• At least 4 years operations, administration, development or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Gathers data and develops strategies to maximize operational services.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to achieve strategic goals.
• Liaises with donor relations to identify and cultivate fundraising opportunities.
• Develops and maintains evaluation processes with KPIs and metrics.
• Plans and coordinates Northwestern events and executive engagements.
• Manages day-to-day operations, documentation and process improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Team Leadership

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Initiative

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Department: Alumni Relations & Development

Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $78,500 - $84,000 annually.

Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

The Associate Director supports presidential engagement with donors, prospective donors, alumni, parents, and other community leaders through the coordination of high-profile presidential events and the execution of signature university programs. This position coordinates presidential event appearances, travel, and select donor engagement and stewardship activities. They support event logistics, organize stakeholders, manage timelines, and support on-site operations to ensure seamless experiences for university leadership, distinguished guests, and the broader community.

Additionally, this position coordinates broadly across ARD requests for presidential appearances at ARD events and serves as a liaison to the president's office to communicate request in a timely manner. They will also manage, and promote, donor engagement opportunities for our ARD front-line fundraisers, such as sharing ticket opportunities for football, basketball, and Ravinia summer concert series. They will support the activities and priorities of the Office of the Vice President as needed.

The role requires exceptional organizational and oral and written communication skills, efficiency, patience, flexibility, sharp attention to detail, and a high level of professionalism, including a high degree of discretion. This position reports to the Director, Executive Operations.

Please note: This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, up to two days remote and three onsite.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Gathers data and develops strategies designed to maximize operational services in meeting client team goals & objectives.
• Reviews plans, meets with leadership and key faculty and staff, and recommends changes and improvements to operational services to better meet organizational needs and objectives.

Collaboration

• Involves moderate- to-high-level of collaboration with both internal department partners and moderate level of collaboration with broader University partners to identify & integrate resources in order to accomplish strategic goals & objectives.

Prospects & Gifts

• Acts as liaison to internal/external departments, attends meetings to determine needs, consult on strategy, manage projects and provide updates.
• Partners with client teams to conduct research and analyses to meet needs ensuring that data and knowledge is obtained to increase the identification, cultivation and solicitation of donors.

Evaluation

• Manages development and maintenance of evaluation processes including associated quantitative and qualitative metrics and key performance indicators.
• Reviews & analyzes outcome measurements and recommends changes, enhancements and improvements.
• Collaborates with internal/external partners to implement changes designed to improve/increase operational services goals/objectives.

Events

• Develops plans and arranges meetings and workshops, etc. designed to exchange information, promote client objectives, and to build internal and external relationships within Northwestern.
• Ensures that event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Administration

• Coordinates day-to-day operations ensuring that business processes and policies are appropriately maintained, efficient and effective. Recommends changes, enhancements and improvements.
• Creates and maintains documentation, procedures, standards, and policies related to operational services.
• Partners with faculty and other staff to provide information that assists in delivering compelling event content.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years operations, administration, development or the equivalent experience is required.

Minimum Competencies

• Team Leadership: Leads and motivates others toward shared goals.
• Curiosity & Analytical Thinking: Asks questions and uses information to make sound decisions.
• Global/Organizational Perspective: Understands how work supports broader organizational goals.
• Complex Problem Solving: Identifies issues and develops effective solutions.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Manages multiple priorities and adapts quickly to change.
• Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, thorough, and high-quality work.
• Initiative: Takes proactive action and works independently.
• Commitment to Excellence: Strives for high-quality results and continuous improvement.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.