Description

Primary Function

Are you a visionary leader with the strategic prowess to transform philanthropic potential into a legacy of success? We are seeking a dynamic Director of Advancement to help lead the charge for Northern Illinois University’s College of Business. In this highly rewarding role, you will be a lead contributor to major gift strategies, working to secure the resources that fuel our future.

 The Impact You’ll Make

As a cornerstone of our Advancement team, you will move beyond portfolio management to master the art of the major gift. Reporting to the Senior Director and collaborating with the College of Business, NIU Foundation and University colleagues, your mission includes:

• Strategic Portfolio Leadership: You will identify, cultivate, and steward a high-impact portfolio, focusing on securing transformative major and planned gifts.
• Aggressive Growth Strategy: You will design and execute focused, aggressive major and planned giving plans, including high-level solicitation proposals and donor agreements.
• Collaborative Stewardship: You will serve as a primary resource for College leadership, coordinating with department chairs and deans to align philanthropic goals with academic priorities.
• Brand Ambassadorship: You will represent the NIU Foundation at elite events and within professional organizations, building trust-anchored relationships with our most significant constituents.
• Volunteer Empowerment: You will identify, recruit, and direct a powerhouse network of volunteers, training them to be effective partners in our solicitation strategies.
   

The Skills You Bring to the Table

We are looking for an entrepreneurial expert who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. To lead in this role, you will need:

• Mastery of "Moves Management": You have a proven track record in the "moves management" approach, with the ability to strategically guide donors from first contact to transformative gift.
• Exceptional Communication: Your writing is compelling, your oral communication is inspiring, and you possess the gravitas to present to both intimate groups and large-scale donor audiences.
• Strategic & Critical Thinking: You are a critical thinker capable of synthesizing complex information to devise and execute initiatives that reach ambitious goals within specific timeframes.
• Uncompromising Ethical Leadership: You lead by example, maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and a deep, personal commitment to excellence in all forms.
• Relentless Drive: With an entrepreneurial mentality and a strong work ethic, you are ready to travel and communicate the University’s needs and priorities at local and regional events.
   

Description of Job Duties

30% Fundraising – Identify, Cultivate, Solicit and Steward

-         Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual and corporate major gift donors and potential donors. Personal contact and engagement with prospects and donors and securing major gifts will be required on a consistent basis and will be a significant metric which is monitored and evaluated monthly and annually.

-         Work with the Sr. Director of Advancement in the development and implementation of donor strategies. 

-         Utilize advancement support services specific to developing a portfolio of prospects and to strategically move donors to solicitation on a regular basis. These resources include management of a database of gift and prospect records, prospect research and files, and proposals.

-         Serve as the point person to coordinate firm fund-raising campaigns and take the lead in managing sponsorship activities within a college or in support of a portfolio of programs. 

30% Fundraising - Create Major and Planning Giving Plans 

-         Represent the University in the creation of a focused and aggressive major and planned giving plan which includes developing solicitation letters/proposals, documenting pledge intentions, writing timely expendable fund and endowed agreements, and regularly completing contact reports. 

-         Work on special projects, distinguished donor society fundraising, capital campaigns, and partner with their advancement colleagues in the NIU Division of University Advancement.

20% Fundraising- Develop and Implement Donor Strategies

-         Work with the Sr. Director of Advancement in the development and implementation of donor strategies. 

-         Assist in the establishment of fundraising goals and develop and promote long-range solicitation strategies. These goals and strategies will lead to participation in ongoing and programmatic relationships with alumni, parent, friend, corporations/foundations, faculty, and staff of Northern Illinois University.

-         Utilize advancement support services specific to developing a portfolio of prospects and to strategically move donors to solicitation on a regular basis. These resources include management of a database of gift and prospect records, prospect research and files, and proposals. 

20% Administration and Planning

-         Work with faculty and staff of the University regarding development, alumni and donor relations responsibilities. 

-         Serve as an NIU Foundation resource for department chairs, associate deans, and administrative staff as it relates to policies and procedures related to philanthropy and alumni relations.

-         Involve close collaboration with the University President; Vice President for University Advancement/CEO of the NIU Foundation; Sr. Director of Advancement; Department chairs; College Deans, NIU Foundation board members and volunteer leaders in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies of major gift donors. These relationships require a high degree of skilled communication and careful planning. 

-         As needed, represent the University and the NIU Foundation at University and college events, as well as community, volunteer, and professional organizations.

-         Identify, recruit, train, and direct the activities of volunteers involved in solicitation strategies.

Requirements

Education and Experience Required

1.      Bachelor’s degree.

2.      Three years (3) of experience with successful major gift solicitation OR

3.      Three (3) years of transferable experience within a fundraising or alumni relations office. 

4.      Knowledge and experience in development and alumni relations fields.

Education and Experience Preferred

1.      Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a collegiate environment.  

2.      Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable. 

3.      Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and familiarity with appropriate foundation fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.

4.      Commitment to the ideals and culture of higher education. 

5.      A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity. 

6.      The ability to effectively work in a group/team environment to assist in intra-divisional initiatives.

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position

1.      Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)

2.      Deep, personal commitment to diversity in all forms, the recognition of all individuals to mutual respect, and the acceptance of others without biases. Demonstrable commitment to leading by example, modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the university.

3.      Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential. 

4.      Demonstrated exceptional writing skills, strong oral communication with group presentation skills.

5.      Familiarity with the “moves management” approach to major gift fundraising

6.      Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.

7.      A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations arise.

8.      Ability and desire to engage in face-to-face relationship activities, primarily through the scheduling of one-on-one appointments with donor prospects who have never been engaged with NIU.

9.      Ability and willingness to travel to meet donors and prospects in their homes and offices.

10.  Business proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Access, and Excel, including the tabulation of budget figures, creation of scenario planning tools and merging files; experience in enterprise systems for event and scheduling management. 

11.  Familiarity with fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.

12.  Exceptional organizational and project management skills.

13.  Excellent attention to detail.

14.  Exceptional communication skills as there will be strong interactions with both internal and external constituents.

15.  The ability to synthesize multiple sources of information.

16.  Ability and willingness to travel, sometimes extensively; and to work extra hours, nights and weekends to ensure the job is done exceptionally well; Ability to work autonomously, as well as manage several constituents.

17.  The ability to think critically and strategically; capable of taking responsibility for specific goals within designated time frames. Capable of coordinating multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion.

18.  A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations and conditions change, as well as a resilience about the rigors of public higher education and the increasing pressure of resource constraints.

19.  A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity. 

Physical demands/requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Extensive and consistent travel is required for this position. Use of a personal vehicle is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use fingers and hands to feel, grasp, operate or handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs regularly.