Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a career at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional and personal excellence.

Currently, we have a career opportunity as an Associate Director, Major Gifts (Chicago Campus).

Job Summary:

The Associate Director identifies, cultivates & solicits major gift donors from prospect pool of alumni, friends, and family members of Northwestern Law in the Chicagoland area with occasional regional travel to key markets where we have a concentration of alumni.  Manages process & prospects, which includes building a balanced portfolio through qualifying visits, cultivation of prospects, prospect solicitation that align with prospects passions and financial capacity, securing the commitment and stewarding current donors.  Will interface with deans, faculty, program directors and other University leaders to prepare them for prospect meetings and other solicitations.

Please note: Must have own car and be willing to drive it for regional travel in Chicago and Milwaukee and be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Specific Responsibilities:

Prospects & Gifts

• Develops, plans & implements strategies, goals & approaches to close major gifts.
• Identifies, researches & personally solicits major gifts of $100K or more by managing a portfolio of approximately 50+ prospects annually across Chicagoland and other key markets where we have a concentration of alumni.
• Partners with other areas of development, specifically Annual & Planned Giving to coordinate cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Manages the fundraising aspect of the 50^th Reunion Class each year.
• Ensures effective stewardship.
• Develops and write proposals and correspondence to prospective donors

Strategic Planning

• Gathers data, assesses leads, and develops strategies designed to realize the current and life-time giving potential of individual prospects.
• Maintains consistent and appropriate contact.

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.

Volunteers

• Work with volunteers to identify prospects, test concepts and host alumni at events

Events

• Represents the alumni relations and development office at high-profile events including but not limited to Reunion, Wigmore Club events, Regional Alumni events, and Law School Graduation
• Maintains list of prospects who should be engaged through a variety of cultivation events and looks for or creates those opportunities.

Administration

• Gathers, records and retrieves information about prospects and donors utilizing the University’s donor and alumni tracking database, Internet, meetings with development staff, faculty, etc.
• Prepares contact reports on meetings and interactions with alumni.

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 development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Organization; analytical thinking; big-picture thinking; curiosity; independent teamwork/collaboration

Preferred Qualifications:

• Annual fund, volunteer management and/or major gifts experience and a close familiarity with higher education.
• An Advanced degree or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Prior campaign experience.
• Comfort with personal computers and MS Office software programs.
• Excellent communications skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills.
• A sense of humor and a collaborative spirit.

Working at Northwestern University:

Beyond being a place to learn and grow professionally, Northwestern is an exciting and fulfilling place to work! Northwestern offers many benefit options to full and part-time employees including: competitive compensation; excellent retirement plans; comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; dependent care match; vacation, sick and holiday pay; professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.

Northwestern greatly values work/life balance amongst its employees. Take advantage of recreational, cultural, and enrichment opportunities on campus. Employees also receive access to childcare solutions, retail discounts, and other work/life balance resources.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in creating an environment that welcomes students, faculty and staff of all races, nationalities and religions. In doing so, we offer our students the opportunity to learn and grow in diverse communities preparing them for successful careers in an increasingly global and diverse work force.

For consideration, please click on the link below. You will be directed to Northwestern University’s electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, where you will apply for current openings. Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Job Opening ID number for this position is 37248.

 Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.