Associate Director of Development, School of Professional Studies (Hybrid)

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

As a member of a school/program team, engages in direct external prospect solicitation as well as significant internal project management, such as annual fund marketing efforts and alumni cultivation, engagement, and stewardship. Mostly local travel to solicit NU Leadership Circle gifts of $1,000 - $25,000 on an annual basis. Will interface with the dean, program directors, major gift officers, and faculty.

This position is a fundraiser for the School of Professional Studies.

Please note:

• Frequent travel (mostly local) is required.
• Time will be split between Alumni Relations and Development office in Evanston and SPS in Chicago.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Gathers data, assesses leads, and develops strategies designed to realize the giving potential of individual prospects.
• Assists with development of annual fund yearly plan.
• Facilitates or makes solicitations.
• Ensures effective stewardship.

Collaboration

• Involves high-level of collaboration with both internal department partners and with school dean's office.
• Key partnerships and work includes alumni engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Prospects and Gifts

• Develops, plans and implements strategies, goals and approaches to close NULC level gifts for SPS and areas of priority for ARD that serve SPS, including NPEP and financial aid.
• Partners with other areas of development, specifically Major Gifts, Foundation Relations, and Reunions teams.
• Identifies, researches and personally solicits major gifts managing a portfolio of prospects.
• Recommends changes to enhance innovation, objectives, and goals.
• Requires travel throughout Chicagoland.

Volunteers

• Works in concert with the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Chicago) Development Committee to ensure annual fund giving to OLLI.

Events

• Co-organizes events necessary to the cultivation of school prospects.

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.

Budget

• Manages the operating budget for development and travel activities for the School of Professional Studies.

Supervisory

• Supervises a portion of one program assistant to support SPS' fundraising.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, And Any Other Certifications Or Clearances)

• 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)

• Proven team leadership with a focus on collaboration and shared success
• Strong analytical thinking and strategic problem-solving capabilities
• Skilled in complex planning and decision-making
• Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Comfortable navigating change and ambiguity with adaptability
• Passionate about cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Creative thinker with a proactive, team-oriented mindset

Preferred Qualifications (Education And Experience)

• An understanding and appreciation for the nuances of adult education.
• An understanding of foundation relations and individual giving.
• Experience with solicitation, stewardship, etc.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! 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.