Director of Development, International Development

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

The target budgeted salary for this position is $145,000 to $160,000 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.

About the role

The Director of International Development will design, implement, and oversee international region-specific strategies that engage and inspire philanthropic participation through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. As a key contributor to the University’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign, this new position will drive cohesive international fundraising strategies and advance strategic investment in cultivating and engaging the University’s top international prospects.

This role will manage a fundraising portfolio focused in Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea, and reports to the Assistant Vice President, Principal Gifts and International Development. The position manages one direct report, Senior Program Coordinator, and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with at least three days in the office located in Evanston, Illinois. Regular international travel is required, including travel with the president, deans, faculty, or other senior administrators.

Responsibilities

• Designs and executes comprehensive regional fundraising and engagement strategies in key global markets.
• Collaborates with the Assistant Vice President, Senior Executive Director, campus partners, and other stakeholders to advance prospect strategies and deepen the pipeline of major and principal gift donors.
• Manages a portfolio of 40+ high-net-worth donors and prospects in Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea, focusing on those capable of gifts of $1M or more.
• Constructs and implements effective individualized prospect cultivation and solicitation plans.
• Collaborates with school and program colleagues and the Northwestern Alumni Association to develop cohesive international regional plans, ensuring alignment between engagement and fundraising strategies in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Acts as University liaison to support the Chapel & York Hong Kong Foundation and identifies opportunities to promote giving vehicles with donors and prospects.
• Oversees a high-level volunteer fundraising campaign committee to engage top international donors in identifying and engaging prospective seven-figure donors.
• Manages the Senior Program Coordinator, International Development, who provides project management and administrative support.
• Designs and distributes fundraising reports to key stakeholders, including ARD colleagues, leadership volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 equivalent experience.

Qualifications

• High comfort level with frequent international travel.
• Experience supporting academic leadership on development-related visits, events, and other engagement and cultivation activities.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of cultivating and closing six- and seven-figure gifts, with experience in international fundraising and a strong understanding of cross-border giving complexities.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a demonstrated track record in strategic planning and management.

Pay

$145,000 to $160,000 annually.

Schedule

Hybrid work arrangement with at least three days in the office (Evanston, Illinois). Regular international travel required.