Executive Director, Major Gifts

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/17

Target hiring range for this position will be between $220,000-$250,000 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:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Central Giving, this role provides inspirational leadership and strategic direction for the central Major Gifts team. Oversees senior directors of development and a cohort of gift officers responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects across the United States. A hands-on, results-driven leader with extensive fundraising expertise in large, complex research universities. Collaborates closely with Advancement and Alumni Relations staff, deans, faculty, and professional schools to design and implement innovative philanthropic strategies that drive sustained fundraising success.

 

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning 

• Develops & executes fundraising and management strategies to accelerate major gift activity in anticipation of a comprehensive capital campaign.

 

Collaboration

• Possesses a high level of integrity and emotional intelligence to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external constituents.
• Oversees and coaches team members to successfully partner with schools and programs and professional school teams.
• Key partnerships include: schools and programs, professional schools, prospect research and management, leadership giving, regional offices, principal gifts, office of the vice president, executive operations

 

Prospects & Gifts 

• Inspires senior directors of development and regional major gift officers to meet or exceed their individual and team goals..
• Player-coach who personally identifies, cultivates, and solicits high-capacity donors in a highly metrics-driven program; maintains own major gift portfolio of 40+ households.
• Provides inspiration and high degree of accountability, and evaluates individual and team goals. Develops & implements training & mentoring.
• Assigns & monitors coverage of primary areas of focus ensuring that goals & objectives are attained.
• Works closely with prospect research and management team (PRM), to ensure optimal and effective coverage of major gift pool.
• Requires travel throughout the region or country.

 

Administration

• Collaborates and excels at building, managing, and motivating frontline programs and teams.
• Coordinates materials used by senior management, Board & volunteers for visits with high-capacity prospects.

 

Supervisory

• Leads a team of 12 or more staff &/or provides work direction to others.
• Provides training and mentorship to managers of fundraisers.
• Leads, coaches and evaluates performance of direct reports.

 

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, marketing or equivalent or 2 years equivalent experience in development function.
• 10 years development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

 

MINIMUM COMPETENCIES (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Lead and inspire a team to achieve fundraising goals and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Demonstrate strong analytical thinking to interpret data, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions.
• Solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions to advance organizational priorities and donor engagement.
• Plan and execute long-term strategies with a global and organizational perspective, aligning with overall mission and objectives.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with agility and precision.
• Adapt to change and navigate ambiguity confidently, maintaining focus and clarity during organizational transitions.

 

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.

 

Questions?

Apply FOR THIS JOB