Senior Director of Advancement (30007)

Position Summary

This fundraising leadership position reports to the Executive Director of Advancement and works within the Gift Planning Team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major gift prospects. Primary responsibilities include managing an individual portfolio as well as a staff of advancement professionals to obtain private major and planned gifts at the highest level. The Senior Director also supports philanthropic efforts toward university priorities. While the highest priority is to generate charitable gift revenue, this position will focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 or more.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

40% Individual Fundraising Portfolio Management

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation 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.
• 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.
• Work with the Executive Director of Advancement and President & CEO of the NIU Foundation / Vice President of University Advancement in the development and implementation of donor strategies.

40% Campaign Fundraising Priority Leadership

• Serve as the advancement lead for assigned campaign or other fundraising priorities.
• Lead the strategic planning and execution assigned campaign fundraising priorities.
• Assist in the establishment of fundraising goals and develop and execute long-range advancement strategies for various campaign fundraising priorities in collaboration with advancement professional staff.
• Involve the University President; President & CEO of the NIU Foundation / Vice President of University Advancement; various university academic and non-academic leaders; NIU Foundation board members and volunteer leaders in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies of major gift donors.

20% Administration and Planning

• Work with faculty and staff, campus wide, regarding development, alumni and donor relations responsibilities.
• In support of College-Based Advancement leadership, serve as a resource for deans, department chairs, associate deans, and administrative staff as it relates to policies and procedures related to philanthropy and alumni relations.
• Involve close collaboration with university leadership, college leadership, advancement leadership, NIU Foundation board members and volunteer leaders in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies of major, principal, and planned gift donors.
• 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.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

N/A

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five (5) years of experience with successful major gift solicitation.
• Minimum 3 years of professional staff supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in a complex fundraising environment (higher education, healthcare, large non-profit, e.g.).
• Knowledge of and experience in the advancement field.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• 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.)
• 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.
• Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential.
• Demonstrated exceptional writing skills, strong oral communication with group presentation skills.
• 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 arise.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Advanced degree and/or professional designation ( CFRE ).
• Capital campaign experience in higher education or large complex fundraising environment (healthcare or large non-profit, e.g.) 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.

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. Travel is required for this position, largely regionally but at times, out of state. 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.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

July 1, 2023

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week

37.50

Salary

Starting at $120,000, commensurate with experience.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

$5,000/semi-monthly

Earn Type

Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/70845 to apply and submit the following materials by June 12, 2023:

• Cover Letter – Please include your interest in employment with the NIU Foundation and fit for the role for which you are applying
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References

Applications submitted after June 12, 2023 are welcomed, but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions

N/A

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/70845

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

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
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

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.

ADA Accommodation

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 . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report . Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).