Associate Director, Gift Acceptance and Fund Management

Title: Associate Director, Gift Acceptance and Fund Management (Hybrid)

Location: Evanston, IL,  United States

Job ID

52242

Location

Evanston, Illinois

Job Description:

Department: Alumni Relations & Development

Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

The Gift Acceptance and Fund Management team collaborates within its department-the Office of Alumni Relations and Development (ARD)- and across campus to manage all aspects of the gift agreement lifecycle and to support key processes and reporting related to the compliant spending of private gifts to the University.

The associate director plays a key role in advancing the University's philanthropic goals by drafting, redlining, negotiating, and finalizing complex gift agreements. This position also researches and advises on donor intent for existing funds and contributes to fund compliance, reporting, and spending processes as needed.

This role requires, or expects the individual to develop, advanced knowledge of current tax laws and legal regulations related to charitable giving. The associate director helps mitigate institutional risk by identifying due diligence issues, advising on policy and exception requests, and balancing the interests of donors with those of the University.

The associate director reports to the senior director, Gift Acceptance and Fund Management, and will also receive directions from senior team members. This role will primarily interface with frontline officers who manage the donor relationship and negotiations. Key business partners include Donor Relations, Office of General Counsel, and Accounting Services.

This position will be hybrid eligible up to 2 days remote. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• For full consideration, please submit a cover letter with your resume.
• Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Draft, negotiate, and finalize routine and complex gift agreements and other related documents;
• Maintain full knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, and laws associated with gift agreements and charitable giving;
• Advise ARD staff, campus partners, donors, and other related parties on gift policy, including legal and practical issues related to charitable giving, acceptable gift structures, and the appropriate use of charitable funds;
• Communicate new fund terms to managing school/units and support the approval process for all new endowed fund requests;
• Develop and/or conduct training related to negotiating gift terms;
• Support large, sensitive, complex projects that involve legal, business, and functional issues;
• And plan key aspects of the Gift Agreement Writers and Advisers annual peer meeting, with a goal to continue building a forum for universities to discuss matters related to gift acceptance and policy.

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.
• 4 years of operations, administration, development or equivalent experience is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading skills;
• Ability to interact and build positive relationships with internal and external constituents;
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and solve problems independently;
• Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize complex information;
• Being comfortable with decision-making, especially in situations where there isn't a pre-existing roadmap;
• Prior success in building relationships and communicating with groups of people with diverse personal and professional experiences; strong service skills;
• Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive legal matters;
• Attention to detail and accuracy;
• Ability to work effectively under high stakes, manage competing priorities, complete projects, organize time, and identify resources for projects;
• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, or related discipline);
• Substantial experience drafting, reviewing, or negotiating contracts, agreements, or other legal documents;
• Knowledge of charitable giving techniques and related laws and regulations; and experience supporting executive leadership is a plus.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $80,000-$85,000 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! 

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. 

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.