Senior Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Alumni Engagement on the programs team of the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA), the Senior Associate Director of Alumni Engagement will extend the mission of the NAA through the creation, growth, and continued development of programming related to the intellectual engagement and the passions and interests of the Northwestern alumni community. This role will develop programmatic initiatives related to content-driven experiences aligned to the execution of the strategic visioning project and the values of the NAA.

The Senior Associate Director is responsible for the following:

• Managing in-person intellectual engagement programming
• Serve as lead for A Day with Northwestern and Northwestern Night at the Theater events
• Partner directly with Directors of Development to execute programs aligned with regional and giving priorities.
• Assisting with Athletics-related programming in collaboration with the Director
• Developing new passion and interest-related programs aligned with the NAA strategic visioning project
• Creating ROI reports to assess programming success
• Assisting other NAA staff as event consultant as needed

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $87,900 - $90,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

This position is hybrid eligible and requires an on-site presence three days per week, with two days of remote work.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Administers and maintains existing strategic plans.
• Recommends strategic changes and improvements to maximize revenue streams, ensuring their efficient and effective use while fostering a culture of engagement and participation within the University.

Collaboration

• Involves collaboration with internal department partners and with University partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals.
• Key partnerships:
• Various Campus Partners (Venues, catering, etc. to plan events)
• ARD partners: NAA teams, Marketing and Communications, Special Events

Prospects & Gifts

• Manages 1 or more portions of alumni engagement or participation programming.
• Works with development officers to implement strategies that will maximize participation of donors.
• Completes associated stewardship responsibilities.

Volunteers

• Assists with volunteer management, including generating reports and lists, coordinating updates, and other scheduled communications.
• Implements leadership training opportunities both in-person and virtually designed to meet the needs of entry level to advanced alumni leaders in locations around the world.
• Travels occasionally throughout the region or country.

Events

• Manages 1 or more portions of basic, standard programs and/or events.
• Coordinates with leaders on interests in venue space and speakers.
• Processes and maintains online event information, registration and/or databases.
• Markets and promotes events using broadcast email, individual web pages, and/or social media.
• Assists in scheduling details such as venue, space, caterers, musicians, technical requirements, name tags, etc.
• Prepares event plans and summaries.
• Reviews information and recommends "best practices" for future events.

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 and 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 and analysis.
• Assists in the development of dashboards and metrics which provide quantitative analysis of program and event outcomes.

Budget

• Implements & administers approved budget for designated programs and/or events.

Supervisory

• Supervises a program assistant, including oversight of daily operations, task delegation, performance, and training.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

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

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

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Develops and implements engagement strategies; monitors outcomes and adapts.
• Collaboration Across Complex Organizations: Works effectively across units, aligning efforts with institutional priorities.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving: Responds flexibly to change, demonstrates resilience, and finds creative solutions.
• Communication & Influence: Clear, compelling written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Organization, detail oriented, able to take verbal/oral instruction

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Advanced skills in strategic planning, program evaluation, and organizational leadership, typically gained through graduate study or equivalent professional experience.
• Higher Education Alumni Relations experience preferred.
• Master's degree in higher education, non-profit management, or other related field

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html 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/benefits/work-life/index.html 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/learning/index.html 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.