Associate Director, Fundraising Communications

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $75,000 to $80,000 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

Job Summary:

The associate director of fundraising communications is detail-oriented writer and editor with broad-based responsibilities for creating and managing fundraising materials, gift proposals, alumni and donor communications, marketing materials, and other content on behalf of Northwestern University Alumni Relations and Development (ARD). In collaboration with the senior director of strategic philanthropy communications and other ARD colleagues, the associate director of fundraising communications both contributes to and manages projects, interacting directly with internal and external partners in a deadline-driven environment. The role primarily focuses on creating fundraising proposals and managing ARD's library of proposal content to support gift officers in their conversations with donors.

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

Specific Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with gift officers and ARD colleagues to craft high-quality, engaging gift proposals, one-sheets, and other materials to support fundraising efforts for various University initiatives.
• Maintain library of proposal content language, including regularly updating existing content, adding new content, and collaborating with staff across ARD to ensure accuracy of information.
• Write and edit content to support the work of the ARD Marketing and Communications team, including press releases, magazine stories, original content, alumni and donor communications, and other marketing and communications materials as assigned.
• Act as the Marketing and Communications liaison to colleagues throughout ARD, serving as their primary marketing and communications contact and managing projects to ensure they are successfully completed on time and meet partner expectations. Work with ARD Marketing and Communications team to manage project schedules, maintain strategic alignment, and ensure deliverables are completed on time.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full four-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.

• Eight years of marketing/communications or other relevant writing experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education advancement, development, alumni relations, nonprofit fundraising, or a similarly complex mission-driven organization.

• Experience writing fundraising proposals and/or familiarity with higher education fundraising

• Project management: managing multiple communications projects simultaneously, including coordinating stakeholders, establishing timelines, and ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality materials.

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.