Executive Director, Major Gifts

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

Job Summary:

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.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• 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 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.

At Northwestern we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to learn more.

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