Senior Major Gifts Director - College Based

Northern Illinois University; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois University is seeking an Associate Director of Philanthropy - College Based to lead major gift fundraising within a portfolio of prospects across NIU’s colleges. The role focuses on securing gifts of $25,000 and above while advancing university priorities.

You will build strong donor relationships, design moves-management strategies, and work with academic leaders to develop transformative funding opportunities that support students and faculty.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience with successful major gift solicitation or transferable fundraising experience.
• Experience in a matrixed organizational structure with cross-divisional responsibilities.
• Experience with enterprise systems for event and scheduling management; knowledge of development and alumni relations.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 125+ major gift prospects through all donor lifecycle stages.
• Develop and execute cultivation and solicitation plans for gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Build relationships aligning donors’ philanthropic interests with university priorities.
• Meet fundraising performance metrics: visits, proposals, gifts, and pipeline growth.
• Collaborate with prospect research and development teams; represent NIU Foundation at events.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Interpersonal skills

Portfolio management

Strategic donor engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ARC donor management system

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Northern Illinois University is seeking an Associate Director of Philanthropy - College Based to lead major gift fundraising within a portfolio of prospects across NIU’s colleges. The role focuses on securing gifts of $25,000 and above while advancing university priorities.

You will build strong donor relationships, design moves-management strategies, and work with academic leaders to develop transformative funding opportunities that support students and faculty.