Senior Associate Director, Donor Relations

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

Job summary

Northwestern University is seeking a Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations to lead stewardship strategy and execution for our most generous donors, typically $10M+.

The role oversees budget management, program evaluation, and partnerships with gift officers to develop donor engagement opportunities that support fundraising priorities. Hybrid schedule with in-office and remote work is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher; combination of education and experience acceptable.
• At least 6 years in development, fundraising, donor relations, or related field.
• Experience with Excel data manipulation and large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and cultivate donors; manage daily stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with internal departments and University partners to align goals and strategies.
• Develop and implement personalized stewardship for major donors.
• Supervise 1–2 staff and provide direction.
• Oversee stewardship programming including newsletters, events, and recognition mailings.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Collaboration across departments

Project management

Staff supervision

Excel data analysis

Donor relations experience

MS Office suite

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/10
The target budgeted salary for this position is $88,000 to $94,000 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.

Job Summary:

The Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations plays a critical role in advancing the university's philanthropic mission by leading the stewardship strategy and execution of efforts for Northwestern's most generous donors (typically $10M+), in close coordination with donor relations and principal gifts leadership. The position is responsible for advancing the stewardship approach for this donor population; overseeing budget management and program evaluation; and partnering with leadership and gift officers to develop innovative donor engagement opportunities that support fundraising priorities.

Successful candidates are accomplished people and project managers who can proficiently conceptualize, design, and implement sophisticated stewardship strategies; translate data into meaningful insights and recommendations; manage budgets and resources effectively; think creatively and strategically; and build strong partnerships across teams.

Our office operates in a hybrid model and offers the option of working three days in the office and two days remote. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required to support donor engagement events.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Identifies, researches, & cultivates donors through the creation of strategic long-term stewardship plans & the management of daily stewardship activities.
• Involves a high level of collaboration with both internal department and broader University partners to identify common goals & develop & execute strategies to increase integration.
• Develops partnerships with appropriate administrators, faculty members, researchers, and students to meet or exceed the University's stewardship obligations to major donors.
• Develops, plans & implements personalized stewardship strategies, goals & approach for more complex, key or high-profile donors.
• Supervises 1-2 staff &/or provides work direction.
• Writes personalized critical correspondence for senior faculty &/or management signature.
• Oversees other stewardship programming and correspondence as needed including items such as newsletters, holiday cards, honor roll listings, recognition mailings, events, plaques and signage, and gift selection.

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.
• 6 years of development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strategic thinking and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior leadership
• Experience managing complex tasks and large-scale projects
• Experience providing direct supervision to staff
• Experience analyzing and manipulating large datasets in Excel
• 6 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or a related field
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

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 parentalleave;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.