Overview
The division of University Advancement (UA) exists to energize and rally the private sector to partner with the NIU community, harnessing crucial resources for our collective future. Our mission is all about empowering these connections to drive NIU's growth and innovation. Our focus includes amplifying our students' influence locally, nationally, and globally, fostering a world where their ideas and actions make a real difference. Northern Illinois University is in the Leadership Phase of a Comprehensive Campaign focused on student success, faculty excellence and elevating the innovative, entrepreneurial, and creative ecosystem of the institution. |
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Advancement at Northern Illinois University (NIU) will support the fundraising and engagement efforts of the College of Health and Human Sciences. This full-time role reports to the Senior Director of Advancement with a dotted line appointment to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Assistant Director is based on the DeKalb campus. This position enjoys a hybrid work arrangement. |
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Personal Solicitation and Qualification (60%)
- Provide knowledge and expertise related to NIUF and CHHS program engagement planning, to advance the College's current and prospective donor pipeline.
- Conduct 60+ quality interactions with a strategically identified group of alumni and donors annually.
- Personally solicit $1,000+ gifts, including major gifts ($25,000+) and qualify major and planned gift prospects through strategic engagement.
- Secure $250,000+ in total philanthropic activity annually.
- Assist with direct mail and digital solicitations.
Alumni and Donor Engagement (20%):
- Engage alumni and donors to cultivate support through volunteerism, event attendance, and financial contributions, ensuring meaningful participation in NIU's mission and the college's goals.
- Maintain systematic communication with alumni and donors to keep them informed about the university's and college's initiatives and the impact of their contributions.
- Assist with stewardship of endowed and expendable funds, ensuring appropriate utilization and communicating impact to donors.
- Identify, train, and mobilize advisory council volunteers to enhance engagement and support for NIU and the college.
Event Coordination and Administrative Duties (20%):
- Organize new and leverage existing events locally and in key regions to foster alumni and donor networking and maintain their connection with NIU and the college.
- Assist with the successful execution of the Annual Day of Giving by providing support in planning and executing related activities.
- Assist with the College's Advisory Council, coordinating meetings, facilitating communication and collaboration between the council and the college.
- Collaborate closely with various departments and teams, including the central engagement team, college departments, and other campus groups, to achieve Advancement goals, particularly in alumni support.
|
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.
- At least two (2) years of relevant experience in fundraising, alumni relations, event planning, communications, or sales.
|
Additional Requirements (SPS)
- High level of proficiency in oral and written communication.
- Ability to personally contact and engage individuals and solicit contributions of time, talent, and philanthropic gifts.
- Proficiency in coordinating events and group sessions.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication.
- Ability to build lasting, productive relationships with alumni, donors, and NIU colleagues.
- Analytical skills to assess situations accurately and devise effective strategies.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
- Availability for evening and weekend work with periodic travel.
|
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
N/A |
Physical demands/requirements
- 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.
|