Associate Director of Donor Relations - University Advancement (4767) (EXTENDED SEARCH)

Primary Function

Department, University, and Community description:
The Division of University Advancement houses the Northern Illinois University Foundation, which is also an independent 501c3 fundraising organization. We have a dynamic, deeply engaged, thoughtful and fun team who are devoted to ensuring successful fundraising to benefit Northern Illinois University, and to create sustainable revenue streams ensuring the continued success of the Foundation.

At Northern Illinois University Foundation, our vision is to develop, support and encourage a culture of giving throughout the NIU community that will allow it to flourish and accomplish NIU’s goal of becoming the most student-centered public research university in the Midwest.

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:
The Division of University Advancement is responsible for all friend-raising and fund-raising at Northern Illinois University. Within the division is the Office of Donor Relations, which fosters lasting relationships between donors and the University through stewardship programs that demonstrate appreciation and reinforce the impact of donor generosity to the university. The acknowledgment, stewardship, engagement and recognition programs within Donor Relations, in addition to efforts to support philanthropic campaigns and programming, are essential in retaining donors who will continue to support the university.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

This person will have decision making discretion and responsibility to
· Strategize, manage and execute elements of a comprehensive and integrated Donor Relations program designed to enhance and strengthen relationships with donors, including development of high impact programs and objectives.
· Develop, manage and implement content-rich, donor-focused strategies and programming aimed at building stronger, deeper relationships with donors for the centralized giving societies and recognition program.
· Plan, develop and implement creative individualized engagement plans for selected donors as an integral member of the donor care team.
· Manage all named and unnamed opportunities on campus and create a naming procedures standards manual.
· Develop, manage, collaborate, and execute in all phases of planning, creating and implementing donor experiences that surprise and delight.

Because errors can have serious consequences, a consistent commitment to quality and accuracy, demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communications as well as superior analytical abilities are essential. Due to the direct contact with prospects, donors and volunteers, this position must represent the NIU Foundation in a knowledgeable, caring, professional and confidential manner at all times.

This position is essential in securing donor retention and furthering the NIU Foundation’s ability to grow philanthropic partnerships through donor recognition, stewardship, events and engagement.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Three (3) years of demonstrated experience working in a university or not-for-profit environment, specifically donor relations.
3. One (1) year of demonstrated experience in program development and/or project management.
4. One (1) year of demonstrated experience creating and managing an innovative donor recognition or stewardship program, or equivalent experience.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

1. One (1) year of demonstrated experience working with university policies and procedures.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

1. 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.
2. Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential.
3. Exemplary track record of professionalism, maturity, and discretion in the handling of confidential and highly sensitive information.
4. Commitment to providing quality customer service to a diverse population of donors, students, faculty, and staff.
5. Exceptional organizational skills with particular attention to accuracy.
6. Must be a self-starter with a high level of productivity.
7. Ability to meet strict deadlines, and exercise initiative in prioritizing and completing multiple assignments independently with good judgment and initiative.
8. Exceptional interpersonal skills, as well as organizational and supervisory skills
9. Excellent technology skills and the ability to work productively with tools such as spreadsheets, databases, heavy use of and Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel and Access).
10. Ability to establish priorities, utilize good judgment under pressure, and flexible to respond to last minute projects.
11. High quality mindset with the goal of excellence with positive and can-do perspective.
12. Ability to quickly learn and apply new knowledge and technologies.
13. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to interact with a variety of internal and external constituencies.
14. Ability to think strategically and creatively.
15. Ability to anticipate, deliver on and exceed the expectations of donors and colleagues.
16. Ability to obtain, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information effectively.
17. Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communications.
18. Outstanding problem-solving abilities.
19. Ability to generate customized ideas for high-end donor recognition and stewardship, implement new program ideas, and monitor and assess progress.
Working Hours
8:00-4:30, While established University office hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, donor work is professionally conducted at times and places consistent with donor availability. Oftentimes this work includes nights and weekends, and trips outside the University’
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
$4,000 per month
Hiring Rate Information

Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.

Posting Date
10/20/2021
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
01/02/2022
Special Instructions to Applicants

Application Procedures

For full consideration, please upload and submit application materials at https://employment.niu.edu/postings/59789 by January 2, 2022 . Interviews may occur before the priority review date, however all applications received by the priority review date will receive full consideration. Applications received after the priority review date will be considered as needed. For questions, please contact Bryan Lutes, blutes@niu.edu .
Link to Department Homepage
https://foundation.myniu.com
Physical Demands

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. There is a high level of keyboarding and phone use.

The employee frequently is required to 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. Ability to work outside of normal working hours to complete tasks.
EEO Statement

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
Is Background Check Required
Yes
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, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

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.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/59789
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)