Position Information Posting Detail Information
Working Position Title: Assistant Director of Advancement College of Health & Human Sciences Classification: Assistant Director Position Number: 00003642 Open Date: February 26, 2026 Close Date: March 31, 2026 Priority Review Date: March 31, 2026
Employee Class: Staff Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time FTE: 1.00 Position Status: Regular FLSA Exempt: Yes Job code: 1040SPS03 Union Representation: Non-Union Union Code: NA Unit/Department: Gift Planning College Unit: Gift Planning Division University Advancement Location: AL 135 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page: https://foundation.myniu.com
Position Summary
Are you ready to be a driving force behind the next generation of health and human science professionals? We are seeking an Assistant Director of Advancement to fuel the mission of Northern Illinois Universitys College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS). In this high-impact role, you will be a strategic partner in turning philanthropic potential into tangible progress.
The Skills You Bring to the Table
We are looking for a relational powerhouse who can balance high-level fundraising with meticulous event management. Your toolkit should include:
• The Art of Communication: A high level of proficiency in oral and written communication with the specific ability to personally engage individuals and solicit contributions of time, talent, and philanthropic gifts. • Strategic Relationship Building: A natural talent for building lasting, productive relationships with alumni donors and campus colleagues. • Analytical Precision: The ability to assess complex situations accurately and devise effective strategies to advance the donor pipeline. • Event & Group Mastery: Proficiency in coordinating high-impact events and group sessions that drive networking and engagement. • Unwavering Integrity: A deep commitment to maintaining confidentiality and meeting the high ethical standards of the institution. • Adaptable & Driven: A Bachelors degree and at least two years of relevant experience in fundraising relations or sales with the flexibility to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed to reach our goals.
Position Summary
This position extends beyond portfolio management; you will be the primary architect of a thriving donor pipeline that directly supports student success and college innovation. Your mission includes:
• Driving Philanthropic Growth: Take the lead on personal solicitations and secure vital philanthropic activity. • Cultivating Lasting Connections: Facilitate interactions with a strategically identified group of alumni and donors to advance the Universitys mission. • Stewardship & Storytelling: Maintain a systematic communication to inform donors of the profound impact their contributions make. • Event Innovation: Organize and leverage local and regional events to foster networking and maintain a vibrant connection between alumni and the University. • Volunteer Leadership: Mobilize and train Advisory Council volunteers and assist with the annual Day of Giving to enhance engagement across the board.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Personal Solicitation & Qualification - 60%
• Provide knowledge and expertise related to NIU and CHHS program engagement planning to advance the Colleges current and prospective donor pipeline. • Conduct 60 quality interactions with a strategically identified group of alumni and donors annually. • Personally solicit 1000 gifts, including major gifts of $25,000, and qualify major and planned gift prospects through strategic engagement. • Secure $250,000 in total philanthropic activity annually. • Assist with direct mail and digital solicitations.
Alumni Donor & Engagement - 20%
• Engage alumni and donors to cultivate support through volunteerism, event attendance, and financial contributions, ensuring meaningful participation in NIUs mission and the Colleges goals. • Maintain systematic communication with alumni and donors to keep them informed about the universitys and Colleges initiatives and the impact of their contributions. • Assist with stewardship of endowed and expendable funds, ensuring appropriate utilization and communicating impact to donors. • Identify, train, and mobilize Advisory Council volunteers to enhance engagement and support for NIU and the College.
Event Coordination & Administrative Duties - 20%
• Organize new and leverage existing events locally and in key regions to foster alumni and donor networking and maintain their connection with NIU and the College, including on-site coordination. • Assist with the successful execution of the Annual Day of Giving by providing support in planning and executing related activities. • Assist with the Colleges Advisory Council, coordinating meetings, facilitating communication, and collaboration between the council and the College. • Collaborate closely with various departments and teams, including the central engagement team, college departments, and other campus groups, to achieve Advancement goals, particularly in alumni support.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Civil Service: NA Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): NA Specialty Factors: NA
Preferred Qualifications
Civil Service: NA Minimum Required Qualifications: SPS Bachelors degree. At least two years of relevant experience in fundraising, alumni relations, event planning, communications, or sales. Additional Requirements: SPS High level of proficiency in oral and written communication. Ability to personally contact and engage individuals and solicit contributions of time, talent, and philanthropic gifts. Proficiency in coordinating events and group sessions. Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication. Ability to build lasting, productive relationships with alumni donors and NIU colleagues. Analytical skills to assess situations accurately and devise effective strategies. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Availability for evening and weekend work with periodic travel. Valid drivers license and use of personal transportation.
Preferred Qualifications: SPS
Physical Demands Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand for long periods of time, walk, use fingers and hands to feel, grasp, operate, or handle objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs regularly.
Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 1, 2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date: Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50 Working Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, some weekends and nights as needed Occasional trips outside Universitys primary locations, predominantly in the Chicagoland area or Springfield Salary: $61,800.00 Annually NIU offers a robust benefits package.
Application Procedure
For full consideration, please submit the following application materials to http://employment.niu.edu/postings/90570 by March 31, 2026
Required Documents:
• Cover Letter • Resume • Curriculum Vitae • Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment) • List of Three Professional References
Optional Documents:
• Military Discharge Documents (ONLY DD214, DD215, NGB22, DD256)
Special Instructions
Quick Link to Applicant: http://employment.niu.edu/postings/90570
Is Background Check Required: Yes
EEO Statement
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, physical and mental marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Ethics and Compliance Officer Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building, Room 230 TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu 815-753-5560
Visa Policy
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
ADA Accommodation
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a persons disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at adaniu.edu.
Safety Information
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.