Assistant Director, Donor Relations - Donor Recognition and Stewardship

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

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60.000-$64.000 per year. 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.

Job Summary:

The assistant director of donor relations partners with development staff to acknowledge and recognize donors which includes tracking, assigning, writing, and dispatching correspondence that supports fundraising efforts and cultivates long-term donor loyalty and commitment.

The assistant director manages a portfolio of projects with an emphasis on donor recognition signage and stewardship of principal gift donors – creating, maintaining, and tracking individual plans and executing customized outreach on behalf of university leaders.

Successful candidates will be accomplished project managers who can think critically and creatively, adeptly collaborate with colleagues, and navigate shifting priorities.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Tracks the progress of stewardship strategies for principal gift donors and executes touchpoints on behalf of university leaders.
• Maintains and monitors individual stewardship plans to ensure principal gift donors are stewarded in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Works with vendors to secure donor recognition items and maintain an inventory of these items.
• Involves a moderate level of collaboration with internal department partners and University partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals. Key partners in ARD include Principal Gifts, Vice President’s Office, and Marketing and Communications.
• Works with development staff to implement donor strategies that will maximize dollars raised & participation of donors.
• Completes standard, routine stewardship correspondence as needed including items such as holiday cards, plaques and signage, and notes to accompany gifts.
• Manages 1 or more portions of the donor relations process providing stewardship to individuals or groups of donors.
• Recommends changes and improvements to maximize and ensure most efficient use of budget.

 

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

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education and experience)

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, complete them under tight deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Strong collaboration skills
• Strategic thinking and creative thinking skills
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• 2 years experience in fundraising, communications, or nonprofit operations

 

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://hr.northwestern.edu/benefits/ 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://hr.northwestern.edu/well-being/ 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://hr.northwestern.edu/talent-development/ 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.

 

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