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Senior Associate Director Major Gifts

Northwestern University
$110,260.00 - $113,850.00 / yr
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Feb 04, 2026
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Job ID
53162
Location
Chicago, Illinois
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Department: Law Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/12

Job Summary:

Provides management for an education, research &/or operations program/project, recommending goals, assessing Manages a significant portfolio of major gift donors which includes individual, corporate, institutional &/or foundation prospects. Collaborates with deans and faculty to identify, research & form a plan of solicitation of donors that includes coordinating with other development staff to align prospect passion, financial capacity, giving vehicle &/or identify stewardship opportunities for major donors.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

  • Plans, develops & implements overall communication plan to encourage education of philanthropy & heightened awareness of fundraising needs among the donor & alumni community to maintain & increase the amount & level of major gift donors.

Collaboration

  • Involves high level of collaboration with both internal department and broader University partners to identify common goals & develop & execute strategies to increase integration.

Prospects & Gifts

  • Identifies, researches, cultivates and personally solicits major gifts of $50K to $5M by managing a portfolio of approximately 100+ prospects annually.
  • Partners with other areas of development, specifically Annual & Planned Giving to coordinate contacts.
  • Researches & develops prospects including up-to-date knowledge on assigned groups & works with other areas of development to coordinate contacts.
  • Requires travel throughout the region or country.

Administration

  • Writes correspondence and proposals to prospective donors.
  • Prepares contact reports on meetings and interactions with alumni.
  • Updates and maintains prospect management information in the donor database.
  • Tracks and manages the prospective donor pool to develop reports and monitor program results.

Supervisory

  • Supervises 2 or more staff &/or provides work direction to others.
  • Provides training to staff within or outside of immediate dept or division in regard to function.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

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

  • team leadership; curiosity and analytical thinking, global/organizational perspective; complex problem solving; ability to work in fast-paced environment)

Target hiring range for this position will be between $110,260 to $$113,850 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.

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://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.

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