Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position will be between $61,500 to $66,000 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.
About Alumni Relations and Development
Alumni Relations and Development appreciates that the collective sum of our individual differences, experiences, knowledge, and self-expression is crucial for our success. We strongly invite candidates of all backgrounds to apply and to participate fully and authentically in our workplace.
We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet 100% of the preferred qualifications.
Job Summary:
Assistant Director of Development Operations will play an integral role in operational and administrative projects that support the athletic department’s fundraising goals. This position will manage event logistics, fundraising communications, tickets/parking, benefit fulfillment, and development administrative tasks. The person will help provide efficiencies within the athletics development team.
Specific Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning
- Suggests enhancements and modifications to optimize the utilization of revenue streams, ensuring the utmost effectiveness and efficiency of our events and development operations.
Collaboration
- Involves moderate level of collaboration with internal department partners and low level of collaboration with university partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals.
- Includes briefing key partners on event specifics and timelines.
- Involves moderate level of collaboration with external contacts and vendors.
- Please bullet examples of key partnerships and work involved below:
- Athletics Facilities and Event Management
- Ticket Office
- Marketing and Communications (Athletics and ARD)
- Campus Food & Beverage Partners (Levy and Chartwells)
- Provides support to various parts of the development team from event support to annual giving support to stewardship execution. Will need to be up to speed on ticket related policies/information. Help support the data integration between databases.
Prospects & Gifts
- Ensure accurate processing of donor gifts in adherence with donor intent and University policies and assist with the donor acknowledgement process.
- Works with development officers to implement strategies that will maximize dollars raised and participation of donors.
- Completes stewardship responsibilities.
Evaluation
- Reviews operational services and interacts with clients for purpose of gaining insight, growing and strengthening service, and optimizing client satisfaction.
- Coordinates the collection, analysis & reporting of required information for surveys, review documents, public information documents, etc.
- Analyzes evaluation data from clients, donors, etc. to assist in operational service project development and updates.
- Implements corrective actions required as a result of surveys or other indicators.
Communications
- Support creation of written content for select designed collateral
- Ensure consistent brand identity in all communications
- Collaborate with stakeholders for planning and review of fundraising events and projects
- Work with external vendors to manage production and delivery of materials and supplies
- Events
- Develops materials such as social/email graphics, invitations, etc.
- Processes & maintains information, registration, and databases.
- Markets & promotes using email, websites, social media, etc.
- Assists in scheduling details such as venue, space, caterers, musicians, photographers, nametags, audio visual and technical requirements, etc.
- Prepares event plans and summaries.
- Reviews information and recommends “best practices” for future events.
Administration
- Organizes and executes administrative aspects of events and office operations.
- Maintains data (invitation, attendance, RSVP lists).
- Manages timelines.
- Manages expenses (venue, food, entertainment, technology, security).
- Coordinates graphic design and/or scripting
- Documents results and response levels.
- Optimizes the use of technology including social media for marketing, communications, and data reporting and analysis.
- Assists in the development of web analytics, dashboards, and metrics which provide quantitative analysis of event outcomes.
Supervisory
- Supervises part-time, temporary, and/or work/study employee.
- Completes other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- 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.
- 2 years development, communications, marketing, sales, or the equivalent experience is required.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Curiosity and analytical thinking, global/organizational perspective; complex problem solving; ability to work in fast-paced environment; excellent attention to detail and commitment to meeting project deadlines; exercise initiative; commitment to excellence; interest in event management/execution
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Work experience in collegiate athletics. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Experience using Blackthorn, Paciolan, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and GiveCampus
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences. Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work to maximize productivity, and response effectively to change and constructive feedback. Knowledge of position related NCAA rules and compliance.
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 strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.