Director of Development

Job Summary

The Director of Development will serve as the Chief Development Officer managing overall fundraising efforts for the Bienen School of Music. The Director of Development (DOD) forms a strong partnership with the dean and various teams within the school to develop a philanthropic vision, fundraising strategies, and donor outreach to meet, solicit, and close major gifts. The DOD also fosters connections with alumni in partnership with other Bienen staff and collaborates on a regular newsletter highlighting accomplishments of students and alumni. The DOD collaborates with various teams (e.g. Annual Giving, Gift Planning, Regional Major Gifts, Gift Acceptance and Fund Management) in Alumni Relations and Development.

Please note: Frequent travel is required.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

  • Creates & leads a coordinated program of fundraising activities designed to increase the number and level of major &/or principal gifts donors.
  • Builds and cultivates deep relationships with current and prospective donors and develops long-term strategies to deepen engagement and philanthropic support
  • Develops & executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, & volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional &/or foundation prospects.

Collaboration

  • Serves as member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership team, providing guidance on issues relating to the school and fundraising
  • Reviews & proposes strategic alliances, joint ventures & key collaborations with department and other University partners to identify opportunities to integrate the school’s strategic fundraising priorities into the University’s strategic plan goals.
  • Examples of key partnerships:
    • School Finance and Communications Teams
    • Northwestern Alumni Association
    • Annual Giving
    • Central & Regional Major Gifts
    • Planned Giving
    • Schools and Programs

Prospects and Gifts

  • Works closely with the Bienen School Dean to identify and solicit high-profile, &/or extremely complex major gifts of $100,000+ prospects annually.
  • Oversees continuous research, development & up-to-date knowledge on prospects & works with other areas to coordinate contacts.
  • Provides support for volunteer board and partners with board members on cultivation and engagement events and activities
  • Requires travel throughout the region or country.

Events

  • Oversees development and management of events and programs designed to expand constituent and participation.
  • Reviews and approves event plans and summaries ensuring that overall goals and objectives are attained.
  • Works directly with high-level volunteers and donors to ensure that event objectives are met.

Administration

  • Oversees administration of school development operations.
  • Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking & maintenance of contact & progress reporting.
  • Coordinates appointments and prepares materials used by senior management, Board & volunteers for meetings, visits, events or phone calls made to high-profile prospects.
  • Oversees administrative support management to ensure effective team success and daily operations.

Budget

  • Strategically manages a department budget ensuring to minimize expenses while maximizing return.

Supervisory

  • Jointly supervises a program assistant
  • Leads, coaches and evaluates performance of direct reports.

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.

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

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

  • Team leadership; analytical thinking, complex problem solving and planning; global/organizational perspective; ability to work in fast-paced environment; comfortable with change and associated ambiguity

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with fundraising in a performing arts organization or school

  • Experience staffing organizational leadership

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Proven success in gift closure at the six-and seven-figure level

  • Excellent communications skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to present before a group.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.

  • Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors.

  • Experience working with volunteers and volunteer boards

  • Demonstrated leadership ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs, organize, initiate, and motivate.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $140,000-$148,000 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.

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Benefits

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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.

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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.