Associate Director of Planned Giving

Education and Experience Required

• Juris doctorate degree.
• Three (3) years of experience with successful major gift solicitation.
• Five (5) years of experience in planned giving.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in a collegiate environment.
• Knowledge and experience in development and alumni relations fields.
• Experience of diverse engagement strategies and philanthropic behaviors.
• Experience engaging with diverse populations to develop a diverse philanthropic plan.
• Demonstrated exceptional writing skills, strong oral communication with group presentation skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)
• Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential. 
• Familiarity with the “moves management” approach to major gift fundraising
• Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
• A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations arise.

Education and Experience Preferred

• Seven (7) years of experience in planned giving.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in a collegiate environment.
• Advanced degree and/or professional designation (CFRE).
• Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and familiarity with appropriate foundation fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.
• Commitment to the ideals and culture of higher education. 
• A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity. 
• The ability to effectively work in a group/team environment to assist in intra-divisional initiatives.

Critical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability and desire to engage in face to face relationship activities, primarily through the scheduling of one-on-one appointments with donor prospects who have never been engaged with NIU.

• Ability and willingness to travel to meet donors and prospects in their homes and offices.
• Business proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Access and Excel, including the tabulation of budget figures, creation of scenario planning tools and merging files; experience in enterprise systems for event and scheduling management.
• Familiarity with fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills as there will be strong interactions with both internal and external constituents.
• The ability to synthesize multiple sources of information.
• Ability and willingness to travel, sometimes extensively; and to work extra hours, nights and weekends to ensure the job is done exceptionally well; Ability to work autonomously, as well as manage several constituents.
• Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
• The ability to think critically and strategically; capable of taking responsibility for specific goals within designated time frames. Capable of coordinating multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion.
• A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations and conditions change, as well as a resilience with regard to the rigors of public higher education and the increasing pressure of resource constraints.
• A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity. 

Application Materials and Process:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter that speaks to the following aspects of experience, as listed in the education and experience requirements:
  1. development and alumni relations fields.
  2. diverse engagement strategies, populations and philanthropic planning.
  3. commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct.
  4. familiarity with the “moves management” approach to major gift fundraising.
  5. working within a matrixed organizational structure.
  6. A flexible attitude.
• List of three references
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at https://www.niu.edu/work-at-niu/advancement/associate-director-planned-giving.shtml by December 31, 2020. Applications will continue to be received until the position has been filled. However, to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 31, 2020. For questions, contact Melissa Nigro, mnigro@niu.edu.

Northern Illinois University is an AA/EEO institution. Pre-employment background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States is required.