Job Summary :
The Associate Director of Engagement will play a key role in advancing major and principal gift fundraising and engagement initiatives through strategic communications, marketing, and event planning for Northwestern University’s regional offices in New York City and San Francisco.
This role focuses on strengthening connections within the New York tri-state area and California.
The position will support fundraising and engagement objectives by developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies tailored to major gift donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.
This includes creating compelling content through a philanthropic and stewardship lens, designing innovative engagement and stewardship strategies across the donor lifecycle, and enhancing donor retention and pipeline growth.
The role also involves planning and executing high-impact events to deepen donor relationships.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, skilled writer with a strong background in communications, marketing, and event planning, and is passionate about using storytelling to advance Northwestern University’s mission.
Strong project management skills are essential as the candidate will be responsible for coordinating multiple projects and events simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
The ability to analyze data and utilize insights to inform communication and programming strategies is critical for advancing donor engagement.
Additionally, the candidate should have excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, enabling them to work effectively across multiple teams.
This position reports to the Director of Engagement who is based in the New York Regional Office. Some domestic travel will be required to attend meetings and staff events, with some events occurring outside traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends.
Eligible for hybrid work arrangement with at least three days in the office.
Specific Responsibilities :
Communications Development
- Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies for Northwestern’s regional offices that align with University initiatives and highlight the impact of philanthropy, alumni, and donor engagement.
- Create compelling content for various platforms, including event communications, major gift proposals, regional office websites, social media, newsletters, and print materials, to engage donors and key stakeholders effectively.
- Apply editorial standards, guidelines, and style guides from the Office of Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent messaging and tone across all communication channels within regional teams.
- Conduct research and gather relevant information to inform the development of communication materials
- Copyedit and proofread regional office communications and major gift proposals to ensure clarity, accuracy, and high-quality standards across all materials.
- Oversee communication calendars and manage production timelines to ensure timely and efficient delivery of materials.
- Identify and propose innovative approaches to enhance communication efforts, utilizing technology and creative storytelling.
- Lead editorial direction for digital, print, and web communications to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
Event Management
- Develop and manage event communications, including invitations, correspondence, briefings, speaker remarks, and other supporting materials.
- Analyze event and communication data to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and discover opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with Director of Engagement and regional major gift fundraisers to plan and execute programming that inspires donors, strengthens relationships, and enhances philanthropic support for the University.
Collaboration
- Develop and maintain key collaborations with Alumni Relations and Development teams, including major and principal gift officers, Donor Relations, Executive Operations, Marketing and Communications, Northwestern Alumni Association, Special Events, and university partners to enhance donor engagement in the regional markets.
- Foster a collaborative environment within the regional teams to support creative content development and innovative communication strategies.
Donor Relations and Stewardship
- Develop personalized communication and stewardship strategies to cultivate and sustain strong donor relationships.
- Create stewardship content, including volunteer newsletters, impact reports, and thank-you messages, that instill pride and deepen connection to the University.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications :
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field or the equivalent in education, experience and training
- At least five (5) years of experience in Communications, Marketing, or Event Planning is required
- Experience developing communication strategies and plans.
- Experience in higher education and / or advancement services.
Minimum Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Strong storytelling skills and experience in content creation across multiple channels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
- Experience in planning and executing events to engage donors and prospective donors
- Ability to analyze data and utilize insights to inform communication strategies
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage with diverse stakeholders
- Strong strategic and creative thinker
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and included reviewing tools.
Preferred Qualifications :
- Experience in higher education advancement.
- Experience writing fundraising proposals.
Benefits :
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at 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 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 to learn more .
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness.
More information can be found on the webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations.
We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
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.
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