Associate Director, Major Gifts

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/10
Target Salary Range: $87,900-$90,000 per year

Reporting to the senior director, this position will identify, cultivate and solicit major gift donations from a prospect pool of alumni, parents and friends of the University located in the Chicago region or a specified region outside the Chicago Metro Area. The role manages prospecting and development processes, building a balanced portfolio through qualifying visits and cultivation, ultimately leading to major gift solicitations aligned with donor passions and financial capacity.

The position collaborates with deans, faculty, program directors and other university leaders to prepare them for prospect meetings and solicitations.

• Gather data, assess leads, and develop strategies to realize the current and life‑time giving potential of individual prospects.
• Maintain consistent and appropriate contact.
• Facilitate or make solicitations.
• Ensure effective stewardship.

• Involve moderate‑to‑high level collaboration with internal department partners and moderate level collaboration with broader university partners to identify & integrate resources to accomplish strategic goals & objectives.

• Gift Planning (e.g., deferred gifts; estate giving, etc.)
  • Degree Granting Schools (e.g., Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences;
    McCormick School of Engineering; Medill School of Journalism; School of Education and Social Policy, etc.)
  • University Programs (e.g., University Libraries; Block Museum; Parent Giving and Student Affairs, etc.)
  • Northwestern Alumni Association;
    Northwestern University Leadership Circle

• Develop, plan, and implement strategies, goals & approaches to close major gifts.
• Partner with other areas of development, specifically Schools and Programs team, Leadership Annual Giving, and Planned Giving to coordinate contacts.
• Identify, research, & personally solicit major gifts of $100K to $5M by managing a portfolio of approximately 45 prospects annually.
• Complete associated stewardship activities.
• Maintain up‑to‑date best practices and evaluate closed prospects.
• Recommend changes to enhance innovation, objectives & goals.
• Require travel throughout a specified region outside the Chicago Metro Area.

• Gather, record, and retrieve information about prospects and donors utilizing the university’s donor and alumni tracking database, internet, meetings with development staff, faculty, etc.
• Prepare contact reports on meetings and interactions with alumni.

• Provide training to staff within or outside of immediate department or division in regard to function.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.
• Four (4) years of development, marketing, sales, or the equivalent experience.

• Organization – ability to structure tasks, manage priorities, and maintain efficient workflows to achieve objectives on time and within scope.
• Analytical Thinking – apply logical reasoning and data‑driven analysis to identify patterns, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
• Big‑Picture Thinking – understand and anticipate the broader impact of decisions, aligning actions with long‑term goals.
• Curiosity – actively seek new knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and adapt quickly to emerging trends.
• Independent Teamwork & Collaboration – work autonomously while fostering strong collaboration and alignment across teams.

• Experience in higher education or large complex institution.

Northwestern offers high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more. For more information, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

Northwestern provides comprehensive programs to support health and sustainable work‑life balance. More information at https://.html

Northwestern supports professional development via learning resources. More information at https://.html

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. 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.