Senior Associate Director, Donor Relations

Department: Alumni Relations & Development

Target budgeted salary range: $88,000 to $94,000 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 Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations plays a critical role in advancing the university’s philanthropic mission by leading the stewardship strategy and execution of efforts for Northwestern’s most generous donors (typically $10M+), in close coordination with donor relations and principal gifts leadership. The position is responsible for advancing the stewardship approach for this donor population; overseeing budget management and program evaluation; and partnering with leadership and gift officers to develop innovative donor engagement opportunities that support fundraising priorities.

Successful candidates are accomplished people and project managers who can proficiently conceptualize, design, and implement sophisticated stewardship strategies; translate data into meaningful insights and recommendations; manage budgets and resources effectively; think creatively and strategically; and build strong partnerships across teams.

Our office operates in a hybrid model and offers the option of working three days in the office and two days remote. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required to support donor engagement events.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, researches, & cultivates donors through the creation of strategic long-term stewardship plans & the management of daily stewardship activities. Involves a high level of collaboration with both internal department and broader University partners to identify common goals & develop & execute strategies to increase integration.
• Develops partnerships with appropriate administrators, faculty members, researchers, and students to meet or exceed the University's stewardship obligations to major donors.
• Develops, plans & implements personalized stewardship strategies, goals & approach for more complex, key or high-profile donors.
• Supervises 1-2 staff &/or provides work direction.
• Writes personalized critical correspondence for senior faculty &/or management signature.
• Oversees other stewardship programming and correspondence as needed including items such as newsletters, holiday cards, honor roll listings, recognition mailings, events, plaques and signage, and gift selection.
• 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.
• 6 years of development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic thinking and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior leadership
• Experience managing complex tasks and large-scale projects
• Experience providing direct supervision to staff
• Experience analyzing and manipulating large datasets in Excel
• 6 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or a related field
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid medical/sick and parental leave
• Tuition benefits for the employee and dependents
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care
• Generous retirement savings options
• Wellness programs
• Work-life and wellness programs, including flexible work arrangements, childcare and senior/adult care support
• Professional growth and development resources

Schedule

Hybrid model: three days in the office and two days remote. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required to support donor engagement events.