Associate Director, Special Events - San Francisco

Department: Alumni Relations & Development

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Please note:

The target budgeted salary for this position is $90,000 - $95,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

Please note:

This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, up to two days remote and three onsite.

The Associate Director of Donor Engagement will be responsible for planning, managing, and executing highly-curated events for major donors and prospects. Serving as a strategic partner to the Director of Donor Engagement and Major Gift officers, this role will collaborate closely to design and deliver personalized engagement strategies that deepen donor relationships, inspire philanthropic investment, and advance the University’s fundraising priorities.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly organized self-starter with strong attention to detail and the ability to strategically balance innovative “big picture” thinking with tactical execution while managing multiple concurrent high-level events in a fast-paced environment. The role calls for exceptional relationship-building skills, team collaboration, and strong analytical skills to interpret data and inform engagement strategies. This position is based in Northwestern University’s San Francisco Regional Office and reports to the Director of Donor Engagement in the New York Regional Office.

The office operates on a hybrid schedule, with three days in the office and two days remote. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required to support donor engagement events.

• Develops and implements event strategies aligned with institutional and office priorities, ensuring consistency, impact, and stakeholder engagement across all events.
• Participates in donor strategy discussions with major gift officers to inform and refine cultivation and engagement approaches.

• Partners closely with internal department teams and collaborates with University-wide stakeholders to align event objectives and ensure successful execution.

• Collaborate with Major Gift Officers and the Donor Engagement team and other areas of alumni relations and development to develop strategic opportunities across the full donor continuum, supporting gift officers in strengthening relationships and securing philanthropic support.
• Maintain current knowledge of prospects and donors to inform personalized, strategic engagement by major gift officers.

• Plans and leads high-level, strategic events involving the President, Board of Trustees, and other top-tier stakeholders.
• Oversees all event logistics, including venue management, catering, audiovisual needs, invitation strategy, and vendor contracting and negotiations.
• Develops comprehensive event communication plans, timelines, remarks, and invitation materials in accordance with University Marm branding guidelines.
• Provides on-site event management, oversees event budgets, timelines, post-event reconciliation, and coordinates timely and strategic follow-up.
• Coordinates and manages third-party vendors (e.g., catering, A/V), site visits, and venue logistics.
• Monitor and analyze event performance metrics, including registration, attendance, and outcomes, and lead appropriate post-event evaluation and follow-up.

• Offers recommendations to enhance innovation, objectives, and goals.
• Demonstrates strong follow-through and accountability
• Mentor junior staff by providing guidance and leadership to ensure successful execution of event and administrative objectives.
• Leverage technology and virtual engagement tools to expand outreach and enhance meaningful engagement with prospects and donors.

• Draft event budgets and manages approved budget ensuring to minimize expenses while maximizing return.

Perform other duties as assigned

• 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 special events, development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

• Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing high-profile events.
• Experience supporting major gift fundraising, donor engagement, or advancement initiatives within a higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organization.
• Proactive, productive team contributor with a positive attitude and commitment to an inclusive workplace.
• Ability to analyze data to inform decision-making, measure event success, and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex events…