Senior Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives and Campaigns

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $90,000 to $98,000 annually. 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 University.

Job Summary

The Strategic Initiatives and Campaigns Team at Northwestern University is responsible for developing, coordinating, and managing systems and processes to support the University's next comprehensive campaign, and select fundraising initiatives that span the breadth of the University's academic and programmatic eco-system. Working closely with the Alumni Relations and Development Executive Team, school and unit based fundraising teams, university leadership, the team serves as a key link between strategy and execution and is responsible for the planning and implementation of a coordinated suite of structures that drives operational excellence in support of the University's campaign ambitions.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives for Alumni Relations and Development (ARD), the Senior Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives and Campaigns (SADSIC) will play a key role and provide oversight for the planning, tracking, and execution of the University's next comprehensive campaign and select University-wide initiatives core to the campaign's success. Working effectively across departments in ARD, and the campus, the SADSIC will partner with the AVP to align stakeholders and manage project plans to drive successful campaign outcomes through integration, collaboration, and shared accountability. Specific responsibilities may include project management of campaign planning workflows, convening of stakeholders, management and support for the Campaign Planning Committee and other volunteer engagement with the campaign, and the development and presentation of campaign and initiative reports for internal and external stakeholders. Finally, this new position will also manage the Program Assistant that supports the Strategic Initiatives and Campaigns Team as well as work closely with the ARD Executive Team, to track and monitor progress across all key metrics of the University's next comprehensive campaign.

Our office operates in a hybrid model and offers the option of working three days in the office and two days remote. There will be occasional travel throughout the year.

For full consideration, please apply by August 19.

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports efforts to align campaign strategy and activity across campus, synthesizing and coordinating across departments to ensure integration of campaign principles, priorities, and messaging across all channels and activities.
• Designs, implements, and maintains project management systems to track campaign planning workstreams and timelines.
• Works closely with the AVPSI to manage and engage the campaign committee and campaign volunteer leadership.
• In partnership with colleagues, develops a set of campaign resources to report and analyze progress toward campaign goals and university priorities.
• Provides regular updates on campaign fundraising and engagement to key stakeholders, including: ARD, units and divisions, volunteer and University leadership, and others as needed.
• Provides management and oversight for the Program Assistant for Strategic Initiatives and Campaigns team.
• Serves as campaign content expert and resource to ARD for all things campaign related.

*Will perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)

• 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.

• 6 years' operations, administration, development or equivalent experience is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)

• Experience in higher education fundraising, strategic planning, campaign management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success supporting large-scale comprehensive fundraising campaigns and institutional strategic initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership, development officers, faculty leaders, alumni volunteers, and boards.
• Strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level presentations and reports.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and fundraising analytics.

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.