Sr Associate Director, Fundraising Communications (Hybrid)
Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/10
Target hiring range for this position will be between $90,000-$102,000 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 senior associate director of fundraising communications is an accomplished, detail-oriented writer and editor with broad-based responsibilities for managing and executing gift proposals, fundraising materials, talking points, marketing collateral, and other content on behalf of Northwestern University Alumni Relations and Development (ARD). In collaboration with the director of executive communications and other ARD colleagues, the senior associate director of fundraising communications both contributes to and manages projects, interacting directly with internal and external partners in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
We value transparency in our hiring process. As part of our evaluation, we may review publicly available social media information about candidates.
For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples with your resume.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with gift officers and ARD colleagues to craft high-quality, engaging gift proposals and one-sheets for key fundraising initiatives, making a strong case for donor support and its impact on the University.
- Work with ARD colleagues to write and/or edit both long- and short-form content for email, social media, print materials, press releases, or University events in alignment with Northwestern brand standards and style guides.
- Act as a MarComm liaison to colleagues throughout ARD, serving as their primary marketing and communications contact, meeting regularly to assess their marketing and communications needs, and managing projects to ensure they are successfully completed on time and meet partner expectations. Work with the ARD MarComm team to manage project schedules, maintain strategic alignment, and ensure deliverables are completed on time.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- Successful completion of a full four-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
- Eight years of marketing/communications or other relevant writing/editing experience
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail
- Deadline-driven and able to create and strictly adhere to delivery schedules
- Ability to analyze information and distill complex and disparate academic details into communications that promote a compelling vision in layperson’s terms
- Highly organized and adept at managing multiple long- and short-term projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work autonomously, as well as in a team-oriented environment, collaborating closely with others on the team and across departments
- Familiarity with style manuals, such as Chicago Manual or AP Style, and experience using in-house style guides
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Proven ability to close major gifts of six-figures or more.
- Experience with development/fundraising operations (annual giving, stewardship, prospecting, volunteer management, board management)
- Previous experience in higher education or large complex organization.
- Driver’s License
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Experience writing both long- and short-form copy for varied audiences
- Experience using project management tools/software, such as Smartsheet/other
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.