Associate Director, Annual Giving

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

This position reports to the Director of Annual Giving in Direct Appeals: Responsible for maintaining consistent calendar of solicitation and stewardship appeals and overseeing the timely and accurate execution of multiple direct mail and email solicitation campaigns that secure thousands of donors and millions of dollars every year. The primary focus includes executing direct mail and email campaigns and reaching the team's collective goals. The ideal candidate will be experienced in annual giving project management with exceptional attention to detail.

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $78,500 to $82,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

Please note: This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, up to two days remote and three onsite.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Participation in developing strategic plans.
• Primary responsibility for administering and maintaining existing strategic plans relating to specific market segments, programs, events, support teams or high-level donors to meet goals for Annual Giving fundraising and donors.
• Recommends changes and improvements to processes, objectives, and goals based on evaluation of completed programs to dramatically increase engagement and participation and maximize most effective and efficient use of resources.

Collaboration

• Involves moderate-to-high-level of collaboration with both internal department partners and moderate level of collaboration with broader University partners to identify & integrate resources in order to accomplish strategic goals & objectives.
• Please bullet examples of key partnerships and work involved below:
• Marketing and Communications
• Reporting and Analytics
• ARD User Services

Prospects & Gifts

• Develops, plans & implements strategies, goals & approach for programming (engagement programs or solicitation programs such as direct mail, parents' fund, senior class gifts, special gifts' clubs, etc.).
• Works with department and University colleagues to facilitate programming. May be responsible for relationship management of volunteers and donors including one or all of following: identifying prospects, developing and implementing individual engagement plans, creating programs that promote engagement & philanthropic opportunities, personally soliciting gifts, and/or planning and executing stewardship.

Administration

• Manages development and execution of programming and marketing related to solicitation, including: determining key tactics; articulating goals and timelines; list management; providing creative direction to designers and writers; and event planning (including marketing, programming, and follow-up).
• May provide work direction to colleagues or collaborators. Provides necessary documentation and follow-up to donors, volunteers and internal contacts and inputs all volunteer and alumni activity in database.
• 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.
• May be directly involved in any or all of duties assigned to supervised staff. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices.
• Optimizes the use of technology including social media for marketing, communications, data reporting, and analysis.
• Assists in the development of web analytics, dashboards, and metrics which provide quantitative analysis of program and event outcomes.

Budget

• May draft budget for smaller less-complex programs and/or events, reviews with manager, and manages approved budget ensuring to minimize expenses while maximizing return.
• May draft special budget requests for manager's review.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

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

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

• Project Management and Execution: Manage timelines, workflows, and delivery of multi-channel campaigns
• Independent and collaborative work style: Work autonomously while contributing effectively within a team
• Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in data, materials, and campaign execution
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align and execute campaigns
• Systems Proficiency: Use CRM, email, and analytics tools to manage data and track performance

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Familiarity with annual giving and direct mail or email fundraising campaigns

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Curiosity and continuous learning: Seek opportunities to improve processes and explore new approaches
• Complex problem-solving: Identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments: Manage shifting priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines

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.