Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Target hiring range for this position will be between $63,500-$65,000 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.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Operations for the Parent Giving and Student Affairs team is responsible for collaborating across departments to enhance the fundraising and development operation needs of the parent and family community. This role will report to the Director of Development for Parent Giving and Student Affairs and will work with them to oversee significant internal project management that includes events, stewardship, volunteer management and overall parent and family engagement strategy. Requires regular collaboration with colleagues across Alumni Relations and Development and Student Affairs (e.g. leadership and annual giving, donor relations, marketing and communications, alumni engagement, prospect research and management, reporting and analytics, special events).
For full consideration, please submit a cover letter.
Please note: Additional hours to attend board meetings and events that take place outside of business hours may be required.
Specific Responsibilities:
Parent and Family Engagement
- Responsible for all programming associated with the unit's volunteer committee, including the planning and execution of annual events, communications, and maintaining up-to-date information regarding membership.
- Coordinate events with an objective to recognize and cultivate unit prospects and steward highest level parent donors.
- Partner with the Northwestern Alumni Association team, Northwestern University Leadership Circle, schools, and units to scale meaningful engagement opportunities for parent prospects.
Stewardship
- Oversee and manage annual stewardship reporting process for endowed and expendable funds.
- Liaise with the Donor Relations team and Student Affairs staff contacts to collect data points, and narrative or annual reporting.
- Identify and execute additional stewardship strategy beyond the annual reporting process.
Strategic Planning
- Develop data informed strategies designed to realize the potential of the unit's annual fundraising effort.
- Recommend changes & improvements to operational services strategies to better meet needs & objectives.
- Innovate and improve team business processes by collaborating with internal partners to understand needs and goals.
Annual Giving
- Enhance Parent Giving's leadership giving program to strategically develop the prospect pipeline for future major gift donors.
- Develop annual appeal and solicitation plan in partnership with Annual Giving team to drive giving participation.
Major Gifts Program Support
- Develop effective communications materials (talking points, sample proposals, case-for-support documents) for priority major gift opportunities
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.
4 years operations, administration, development or the equivalent experience is required.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
Strong written and oral communication skills
Organizational and multi-tasking skills
Experience in a professional setting working on multiple projects at the same time
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Strategic and Critical Thinking: prioritizes planning, goal-setting, and long-term vision. Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Organized and Dependable: organization, time management, and clear communication with stakeholders.
Curious and Adaptable: interest in growing and learning; ability to remain flexible and contribute where needed.
Collaborative and Effective Communicator: ability to work well with other colleagues across a complex department and organization; experienced at strategically aligning efforts across teams and units; exemplary communication skills.
Driven and Goal-Oriented: proactive; demonstrates the qualities of a self-starter who is driven by success. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, follow through, and take responsibility for outcomes.
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 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.
Northwestern University
$63,500.00 - $65,000.00 / yr
Oct 28, 2025