Hybrid Donor Relations Lead: Senior Stewardship Architect

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition benefits for employee and depd

Pre-tax and flex spending accounts

Retirement savings options

Wellness programs

Job summary

Northwestern University seeks a Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations to lead stewardship for major donors (typically $10M+), coordinating with donor relations and gift officers. The role manages budgets, informs strategy, and partners with leadership to craft innovative engagement opportunities that align with fundraising priorities.

The position requires project management and data-driven decision making, with a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote) and occasional evenings

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 6 years of development, fundraising, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and cultivate donors through strategic long-term stewardship plans and daily activities.
• Collaborate with internal departments and university partners to align goals and improve integration.
• Build partnerships with administrators, faculty, researchers, and students to meet stewardship obligations for major donors.
• Develop, plan, and implement personalized stewardship strategies for complex or high-profile donors.
• Supervise 1–2 staff or provide work direction.
• Draft personalized correspondence for senior faculty and management signatures.
• Oversee stewardship programs, newsletters, events, and donor recognition activities.

Skills

Donor relations

Project management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis (Excel)

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

Northwestern University seeks a Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations to lead stewardship for major donors (typically $10M+), coordinating with donor relations and gift officers. The role manages budgets, informs strategy, and partners with leadership to craft innovative engagement opportunities that align with fundraising priorities.

The position requires project management and data-driven decision making, with a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote) and occasional evenings