Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/14

Job Summary:

Senior fundraising position with management responsibilities. Designs and implements innovative programs to identify prospective major &/or principal gift donors. Devises and executes plans for a specific region to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and stewarddonors. Oversees the tracking & management of staff to ensure an emerging prospect pool. Builds and adapts programs to a point of sustainability. Collaborates with various teams (e.g. NULC, Reunions, Schools/Units) as well as deans and/or faculty and interfaces with campus leadership to develop philanthropic and fundraising strategies and prepares for prospect meetings and solicitations. Demonstrated commitment to DEI learning and efforts; strong understanding of complex and nuanced issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

School/Program Specifics/Recruitment Summary:

Chief development officer who sets the strategic direction for the development program for the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University. Responsible for personal solicitation of major gifts for the School as well as planning and directing the solicitation of prospects by the Dean and other senior administrators. Conceives and implements strategies for the School's prospects as well as identifies and pursues prospects for the School's priorities. Primary focus upon alumni and other friends at and above the major gift level with particular attention given to prospects at $1 million-plus.

Please note: Frequent travel is required.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

* Creates & leads a coordinated program of fundraising activities designed to increase the number and level of major &/or principal gifts donors.

* Develops & executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, & volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional &/or foundation prospects.

Collaboration

* Reviews & proposes strategic alliances, joint ventures & key collaborations with department and other University partners to identify opportunities to integrate University strategic plan goals.

* Oversees and coaches team members regarding department collaborations.

* Collaborates with Marketing, Annual Giving, Central Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Dean and faculty.

Prospects and Gifts

* Manages staff, provides leadership, determines & evaluates individual goals, develops & implements training & mentoring, & assigns & monitors coverage of primary areas of focus ensuring that goals & objectives are attained.

* Identifies and personally solicits high-profile, &/or extremely complex major gifts of $100,000+ prospects annually.

* Oversees continuous research, development & up-to-date knowledge on prospects & works with other areas to coordinate contacts.

* Requires travel throughout the region or country.

Events

* Oversees development and management of events and programs designed to expand constituent and participation.

* Reviews and approves event plans and summaries ensuring that overall goals and objectives are attained.

* Works directly with high-level volunteers and donors to ensure that event objectives are met.

Administration

* Oversees administration of school development operations.

* Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking & maintenance of contact & progress reporting.

* Coordinates appointments and prepares materials used by senior management, Board & volunteers for meetings, visits, events or phone calls made to high-profile prospects.

* Oversees administrative support management to ensure effective team success and daily operations.

Budget

* Strategically manages a department budget ensuring to minimize expenses while maximizing return.

Supervisory

* Supervises 2 or more staff.

* Provides training to staff within or outside of immediate dept or division in regard to function.

* Leads, coaches and evaluates performance of direct reports.

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.

* 8 years development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

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

* team leadership; analytical thinking, complex problem solving and planning; global/organizational perspective; ability to work in fast-paced environment; comfortable with change and associated ambiguity

Preferred 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.

* 8 years of development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

* Successful close of $1M gifts and pledges as an individual and team member.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

* Team leadership; analytical thinking, complex problem solving and planning; global/organizational perspective; ability to work in fast-paced environment; comfortable with change and associated ambiguity

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

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Professional Growth & Development:
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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. Click for information on EEO is the Law.