Assistant Director, Annual Giving

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director, Annual Giving position reports to the Manager, Annual Giving. This role develops, plans, and implements strategies and approaches to personally solicit alumni to retain and/or upgrade annual giving donor status in the $500-$9,999 range. Collaborating with schools and programs teams, this person will provide touchpoints and stewardship opportunities in their cycles of outreach and cultivation. This person will be responsible for four classes in a Reunion cycle to ensure each class meets their fundraising goals and metrics. Occasional nights and weekends work is expected.

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $60,000 to $64,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

For full consideration, please apply by Friday, July 10.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Administration

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans including presenting a persuasive verbal and written case to prospects for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific needs.

• Monitors and analyzes program metrics, including engagement activity, gifts/pledges, etc. and ensures that proper stewardship and gift pledge follow-up occurs. Analyzes segment/group/program/event metrics and reports to manager.

Collaboration

• Involves moderate level of collaboration with internal department partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals.
• Examples of key partnerships and work involved below:
  • Annual Giving Colleagues
  • NAA
  • ARD Schools and Programs
  • Prospect Research

  • Gift and Record Services

Prospects & Gifts

• Develops, plans, and implements strategies and approaches to solicit alumni rated under $10k
• Partners with assigned schools and programs, to provide updates and touchpoints from the areas of interest to re-establish relationships and secure gifts. Identifies, researches & personally solicits annual gifts.
• Manages 4 classes (5th, 10th, 15th, 25th) with Reunion status, to ensure giving goals are achieved. 100% committee giving, increase in donors, class scholarship awareness and solicitation.
• Honor roll and donor board reviews.
• Participates in up to 6 committee meetings annually.
• Completes associated stewardship responsibilities.
• Make referrals to frontline gift officers when greater giving potential is discovered.
• Maintains up-to-date best practices for digital giving relationships.
• Documents results and responses in database.

Miscellaneous

Perform 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.
• 2 years development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

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

• Organization & Project Management - Ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and priorities efficiently.
• Attention to Detail - Ensures accuracy and completeness in data, communications, and work outputs.
• Analytical Thinking & Data Interpretation - Uses data to understand performance and guide decisions.
• Curiosity & Learning Mindset - Seeks to learn more about strategies and best practices.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building - Works well with others and builds positive, productive relationships.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include 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; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, 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.