| The Division of University Advancement is responsible for all friend-raising and fund-raising at Northern Illinois University. Programs within the division are responsible for building strong relationships with NIU alumni (the NIU Alumni Association) and managing philanthropy to benefit the university (the NIU Foundation). The President/CEO of the NIU Foundation, who also serves as the Vice President for University Advancement, provides administrative direction for the entire Division of University Advancement. The office of the President/CEO coordinates management of the NIU Foundation Board of Directors, who have fiduciary responsibility for management of the endowment as well as utilization of philanthropic funds on behalf of NIU. NIU is a university that has diversity, equity, and inclusion as one its primary core values. We seek and are strengthened by the diverse perspectives and experiences of our university community members, and we appreciate and respect every member of our community. Being a part of the NIU Huskie family means being an advocate for diversity and embracing inclusive principles. Primary Function This position reports to the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business. This position works within the Gift Planning Team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major gift prospects. The primary responsibility is to obtain private major and planned gifts at the highest level. This individual also supports the priorities identified by the university. While the highest priority is to generate charitable gift revenue, this position will focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 or more. Duties and Responsibilities 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 Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business, 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.
Fundraising - Create Major and Planning Giving Plans - Represent the College in the creation of a focused and aggressive major and planned giving plan for the College 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.
Fundraising - Develop and Implement Donor Strategies - Develop and implement 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.
- Establish 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.
Administration and Planning - Work with faculty and staff of the College 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 Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business; University President; Vice President for University Advancement/CEO of the NIU Foundation; 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, will represent the University and the NIU Foundation at University and college events, as well as community, volunteer and professional organizations. In the event of scheduling or other conflicts on the supervisor’s calendar, the Director of Advancement will represent the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business at any function, event, meeting, conference and/or presentation, as so directed.
- Identify, recruit, train, and direct the activities of volunteers involved in solicitation strategies.
Minimum Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree.
- Five (5) years of experience with successful major gift solicitation.
- Knowledge and experience in development and alumni relations fields.
- Demonstrated exceptional writing skills, strong oral communication with group presentation skills.
- 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.)
- Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential.
- Familiarity with the “moves management” approach to major gift fundraising.
- Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
- A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and promoting an inclusive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Education and Experience Preferred - Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a collegiate environment.
- Advanced degree and/or professional designation (CFRE).
- Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable.
- 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.
- Commitment to the ideals and culture of higher education.
- A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity.
- 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 - 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.
- Ability and willingness to travel to meet donors and prospects in their homes and offices.
- 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.
- Familiarity with fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Exceptional communication skills as there will be strong interactions with both internal and external constituents.
- The ability to synthesize multiple sources of information.
- 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.
- Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
- The ability to think critically and strategically; capable of taking responsibility for specific goals within designated timeframes. Capable of coordinating multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion.
- A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations and conditions change, as well as a resilience with regard to the rigors of public higher education and the increasing pressure of resource constraints.
- A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and internal equity; position includes eligible benefits. Application Process Please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at http://employment.niu.edu/postings/48258Review of completed applications is ongoing and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, contact Melissa Nigro, [email protected]. Required Applicant Documents: Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
List of three references
Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) Northern Illinois University is an AA/EEO institution. Pre-employment background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States is required. EEO Statement, Visa Policy, ADA Accommodation, Clery Act Information In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
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[email protected] In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. This form can be obtained by contacting the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) at 815-753-8399. NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy. |
