Executive Director of Development, Athletics

 

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/16

Job Summary:

Chief development officer for the Department of Athletics and Recreation who sets the strategic direction for all fundraising for this department that includes all varsity athletics and capital projects. The Executive Director of Development will have a dual reporting structure; reporting to the Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development, Schools and Programs, and a dotted line to the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. 

The Executive Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for an annual programmatic fundraising goal of $30-50 million, and an annual individual fundraising goal of $7.5-$8.5 million. This position is also responsible for managing and assessing a wide range of development programs and activities to achieve the ambitious fundraising goals of the department and University.  These programs and activities include principal gifts, major gifts, annual giving, stewardship, communications, and donor relations/events. This position will oversee 6+ full-time staff members. 

As Executive Director of Development, Athletics, this individual will be a member of the Department’s senior management team and will work closely with the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, members of the University’s office of Alumni Relations and Development (ARD), the President’s Office, and other appropriate campus partners. They will be responsible for personal solicitation of major gifts for Athletics as well as planning and directing the solicitation of prospects by the athletic director and other senior administrators at Northwestern University. In this role, they will conceive and implement strategies for Athletics prospects as well as identify and solicit individuals for the department’s priorities.  A primary focus will be with alumni and friends at the major gift level ($100,000 plus) with a focus on prospects at $1 million-plus.

We value transparency in our hiring process. As part of our evaluation, we may review publicly available social media information about candidates.

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Please note: This position requires frequent travel to visit with donors and prospective donors to the University as well as attendance at Athletic events throughout the year.

View Full Description

 

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/16

Job Summary:

Chief development officer for the Department of Athletics and Recreation who sets the strategic direction for all fundraising for this department that includes all varsity athletics and capital projects. The Executive Director of Development will have a dual reporting structure; reporting to the Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development, Schools and Programs, and a dotted line to the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. 

The Executive Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for an annual programmatic fundraising goal of $30-50 million, and an annual individual fundraising goal of $7.5-$8.5 million. This position is also responsible for managing and assessing a wide range of development programs and activities to achieve the ambitious fundraising goals of the department and University.  These programs and activities include principal gifts, major gifts, annual giving, stewardship, communications, and donor relations/events. This position will oversee 6+ full-time staff members. 

As Executive Director of Development, Athletics, this individual will be a member of the Department’s senior management team and will work closely with the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, members of the University’s office of Alumni Relations and Development (ARD), the President’s Office, and other appropriate campus partners. They will be responsible for personal solicitation of major gifts for Athletics as well as planning and directing the solicitation of prospects by the athletic director and other senior administrators at Northwestern University. In this role, they will conceive and implement strategies for Athletics prospects as well as identify and solicit individuals for the department’s priorities.  A primary focus will be with alumni and friends at the major gift level ($100,000 plus) with a focus on prospects at $1 million-plus.

We value transparency in our hiring process. As part of our evaluation, we may review publicly available social media information about candidates.

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Please note: This position requires frequent travel to visit with donors and prospective donors to the University as well as attendance at Athletic events throughout the year.

Specific Responsibilities :

Strategic Planning

• Creates and leads a coordinated program of fundraising activities designed to increase the number and level of major &/or principal gifts donors. Develops and executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional and/or foundation prospects. 
• Maintain campaign fundraising momentum for the Department of Athletics and Recreation at $30-50 million per year.
• Manage the Department’s major gift prospect pool. Identify major, leadership, and principal gift prospects, qualify their ultimate giving potential, assess the appropriate interest match within the Department, and develop and implement strategies to optimize gift closures. 
• Working closely with the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and other members of Alumni Relations and Development, create and implement annual plans to meet funding goals. 

Collaboration

• Reviews and proposes strategic alliances, joint ventures and key collaborations with department and other University partners to identify opportunities to integrate University strategic plan goals.  Leads and coaches team members regarding department collaborations. 
• Organize and lead on behalf of Athletics development activities within the central development teams including major gifts, gift planning, annual giving, and special events such as bowl games and national tournaments. 
• Work with the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Senior Associate Athletic Directors, and other administrators within the Department to articulate funding priorities and communicate the Department’s funding objectives to both internal and external constituencies.
• Serve as a member of the department’s senior staff and advise on all alumni relations and development activities. Liaison to varsity coaches on department approved fundraising activities.
• Manage complex relationships between the Department of Athletics and Recreation, Alumni Relations and Development, and other units at Northwestern.

Prospects & Gifts

• Identifies and personally solicits hi-profile, and/or extremely complex major gifts of $1M+ by managing a pool of 40+ prospects annually.  Oversees continuous research, development and up-to-date knowledge on prospects and works with other areas to coordinate contacts. Requires frequent travel throughout the region or country.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with an emphasis on gifts of $1 million-plus. Successfully close gifts at the $1 million level and higher. 
• Plan and direct the solicitation of Athletics prospects by Department and University leadership.

Administration

• Oversees administration of comprehensive fundraising program including major/principal gifts, annual giving, events and stewardship.  Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking and maintenance of contact and progress reporting.  Coordinates appointments and prepares materials used by senior management, Board, and volunteers for meetings, visits, events, or phone calls made to high profile prospects.  Oversees administrative support management to ensure effective team success and daily operations.
• Maintain stewardship and gift acknowledgement systems that serve as effective prologues for subsequent gifts.
• Initiate reports, conduct studies, and perform other tasks related to development at the direction of the Department and University leadership.
• Maintain best-practice expertise in the field of athletics development through participation in regional and national networks and industry related associations.

Volunteers

• Recruit, staff, and manage all key Department fundraising volunteers including the sport specific groups such as NGN, N Club, Fast Break Club, etc.
• Work with trustees and university leadership to articulate needs for the department and develop fundraising plans for Athletics. 

Team Management

• Manages staff, provides leadership, determines and evaluates individual goals, develops and implements training and mentoring, and assigns and monitors coverage of primary areas of focus ensuring that goals and objectives are attained. 
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, and training to staff to meet annual goals.
• Manage the travel and operating budgets for the Athletics fundraising team, ensuring the strategic deployment of resources.
• Organize the team for success, following best practice in the industry.

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in development function.
• 10 years development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required. 

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated leadership ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs, organize, initiate, and motivate.
• Analytical thinking, complex problem solving and planning
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment
• Proven success in gift closure at the six-and seven-figure level.
• Managerial experience within a matrix environment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Collegiate athletics development experience.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.

 

Target hiring range for this position will be between $190,000-$225,000 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

 

_ 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/b...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/b...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/l..._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.

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