Assistant Director, Direct Appeals

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

Functional expert responsible for the planning, staffing, and tactical execution of group and/or broad-based relationship management plans, programs & events designed to strategically identify & cultivate prospects, students & alumni in meaningful ways that transition into engaged volunteers & donors.  May coordinate all activities of 1 or more smaller less complex programs or provide support on complex programs.  Serves as liaison to both University and Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA).  May supervise student workers and/or support staff.

This position is part of the Direct Appeals team in Annual Giving. Responsible for implementing fundraising tactics via phone and email solicitations to boost undergraduate alumni participation in giving. Act as functional expert with iModules email marketing system as well as functional expert with RNL SaaS software. Working closely with the direct mail team, build and deploy email solicitation projects and create online giving forms. Track, analyze, and report on email and phone solicitation efforts and help with strategies to optimize results. Assist with monthly data loads for Phonathon program.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans.  
• Recommends changes & improvements to maximize & ensure most effective & efficient use of revenue streams ultimately leading to a culture of engagement & participation with the University.
• Support strategic direction of Phonathon program, including assisting with calling records and calling calendar.

Collaboration

• Involves moderate level of collaboration with internal department partners and low level of collaboration with University partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals.
• Please bullet examples of key partnerships and work involved below:
• Work with Direct Appeals team members to ensure messages are consistent across phone, email, and mail channels.
• Participate in quarterly Phonathon reporting meetings with Senior Director and Executive Director and Phonathon Program Coordinator

Prospects & Gifts

• Manages 1 or more portions of annual giving programming.
• Works with development officers to implement strategies that will maximize dollars raised & participation of donors. 
• Completes associated stewardship responsibilities. 
• Serve as functional expert for email marketing system. Build and deploy mass solicitation campaigns via email to constituents
• Work with colleagues across ARD to direct and implement fundraising projects for specialty segments for Phonathon.

Administration

• Organizes and executes administrative aspects of production and distribution of constituent communications.
• Includes data manipulation.
• Manages timelines and related expenses.
• Coordinates graphic design and/or scripting.
• Documents results & response levels.
• Responsible for tracking participants & volunteers, recording engagement, and donor interactions in database.
• Optimizes the use of technology including social media for marketing, communications & data reporting & analysis. 
• Assists in the development of dashboards & metrics which provide quantitative analysis of email and Phonathon results.   

Budget

• Implements & administers approved budget for designated programs &/or events.
• Help with billing for the Phonathon budget.

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. 
• 2 years development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

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

• Organization, detail oriented, able to take verbal/oral instruction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a student calling program.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising, marketing, or alumni relations.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Proficiency with Excel with a commitment to continued learning in Excel.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.