Associate Director Major Gifts - College of Engineering

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting into the Senior Director of Major Gifts, the new Associate Director, Major Gifts (ADMG) will play a significant frontline fundraising role by representing the University’s to a portfolio of prospective major gift donors in designated geographic region. The ADMG will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors at major gift levels ($100K-$1M), in addition to launching a systematic initiative to acquire new donors that meet institutional fundraising goals.

Operating within the One Northeastern model, the ADMG maintains a university-wide perspective, raising support for a broad range of institutional priorities spanning individual colleges, multidisciplinary programs, and strategic initiatives with an emphasis upon those involving the College of Engineering.  While developing a strong general understanding of Northeastern’s academic enterprise, the ADMG may also build deeper expertise in a designated college or focus area likely to include engineering, in order to serve as a content resource to colleagues and strengthen collaborative fundraising efforts.

Success in this role requires a highly collaborative approach. The ADMG will partner closely with colleagues across the Office of Advancement and the University to coordinate prospect strategies, contribute to shared fundraising goals, and participate in team-based efforts that advance complex and high-impact philanthropic opportunities.

Knowledge of development practices to expand and cultivate existing donor relationships over time.
Natural relationship builder who takes a solutions-focused approach to development and believes there are no dead-ends, only other roads to pursue. Enthusiasm for pipeline building and discovery meetings. Interpersonal skills for building authentic relationships with external (donors, prospects, trustees, volunteers) and internal (deans, faculty, staff, colleagues) constituents. Exceptional verbal communications skills, active listening skills, and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively. Detail orientation and accountability to performance measures.  An appreciation for lifelong learning and the value of skills gained through a structured education as well as through hands-on work experience. Contributes to a sense of belonging among all community constituents. High energy, positive "can-do" attitude, flexibility, teamwork, high degree of initiative and good sense of humor. Knowledge and skills typically acquired through a bachelor's degree or equivalent and 3-5 years of progressive fundraising experience. Track record of soliciting and closing major gifts at the 5-, 6-, and 7-figure levels. Ability to travel including nights and weekends, as global health conditions allow. Willingness and ability to travel, including nights and occasional weekends.

1) Build and manage a portfolio of ~125 leadership and major gift prospects that span alumni, friends, parents, and university leaders. 
2) Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospects; develop relationships, assess prospect interest and capacity to make gifts at the $100K-$1M levels through a mix of in-person and virtual meetings.
3) Employ innovative approaches to engagement, cultivation, and solicitation strategies; enhance donor relationships with Northeastern by strategically involving them in special programs and events, and by connecting them to other university leaders and supporters. 
4) Partner with directors and department heads across the College of Engineering to identify fundraising opportunities and create new initiatives that resonate with donors and provide meaningful, substantive engagement opportunities. 
5) Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, particularly with the departments of Corporate & Foundation Relations, Family Philanthropy, and Planned Giving, on donor engagement strategies and to successfully meet donor interests and leverage their full philanthropic potential. 
6) Use Salesforce to log activity, create call reports and progress reports, and maintain data integrity of prospect portfolio. 

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.