Advancement Officer

Roles

Northwood University is seeking an individual to specialize as an Advancement Officer. The role will be one of Northwood’s lead fundraisers in relation to major donor gifts, focusing on $100k-to-1M donations, working closely with Vice President of Advancement and Business Development and/or the President to advance Northwood’s philanthropic goals.

The Advancement Officer position will be measured by delivered results. The candidate must be qualified to take personal ownership of a portfolio of donors and University honorees, and proactively cultivate, solicit, and steward meaningful relationships that produce short- and long-term philanthropic value for Northwood University.

A successful Advancement Officer will maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct consistent with The Northwood Idea, possess strong writing and communication skills, adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment, and showcase leadership and integrity. Most importantly, the Advancement Officer should draw value and meaning from tangibly assisting Northwood University’s efforts to develop transformative leaders who drive economic and social progress for a global, free-enterprise society.

Responsibilities

• Assists strategic fundraising initiatives, in conjunction with the Vice President of Advancement and Business Development, and President, with a specific focus on increasing the value and number of philanthropic partnerships at $100,000 and above, improving the donor experience, stewardship and increasing donor retention rates.
• Builds and executes strategies to cultivate philanthropic partnerships and will effectively leverage Northwood University’s executive staff’s relationships with donors.
• Manages an active portfolio of 90-120 individuals and reports monthly on the following metrics:
• Makes more than 100 strategic major gift visits annually, with 3-5 strategic/substantive visits per month, including donor and prospect visits.
• Conducts at least 3 first-time visits per month with individuals qualified as potential major gift candidates.
• Makes at least 30 gift requests annually.
• Identifies and strengthens or develops long-term relationships with existing and prospective donors and University honorees such as Outstanding Business Leaders and Distinguished Women. This includes scheduling/attending meetings and events, telephone calls, one-on-one visits, and written correspondence to keep donors and honorees engaged with and informed of Northwood University’s educational mission.
• Tracks and manages a pipeline of major donor and honoree meetings for which the President and other faculty or leadership team members may need to attend.
• Serves as a liaison to various volunteer committees that exist to support philanthropically Northwood programs.
• Leads individual proposal writing and year-end report writing for major gift acquisitions and retention.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Possess at minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising.
• Have significant experience in supporting major fundraising initiatives, such as comprehensive and project-based campaigns.
• Have a proven record of successful integration within advancement teams.
• Possess a broad understanding of advancement that includes alumni relations, planned giving, annual giving, major gift prospecting, endowed gifts, and other components of advancement processes.
• Work effectively with a variety of personalities.
• Demonstrate digital literacy, particularly in fundraising database systems, Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Exhibit effective interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
  
  

Advanced Qualifications

• Have a proven track record of successful fundraising for causes that possess shared ideals with The Northwood Idea.
• Own an established network of supporters who wish to invest in higher education and The Northwood Idea.
  
  

Expectations

• Support and advance Northwood’s mission, strategic plan, values, and outcomes.
• Live by Northwood University’s code of ethics and personally believe in The Northwood Idea.
• Demonstrate an ability to think strategically.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholder leadership, including academic, student affairs, and facilities leadership, to ensure donor proposals accurately reflect institutional priorities and readiness.
• Be familiar with Raiser’s Edge or similar nonprofit donor databases.
• Effectively close principal and major gifts supporting the goals of fundraising initiatives, including capital improvements, scholarships, and endowment growth.
• Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity concerning donor information and Northwood University.
• Lend expertise and experience to cultivate and steward Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leaders and Distinguished Women honorees.
• Travel frequently, including nights and weekends, throughout the country.
• Champion all aspects of Northwood University.
  
  

Northwood University stands apart in higher education with a philosophy grounded in The Northwood Idea — emphasizing freedom, free enterprise, personal responsibility, and limited government. We seek individuals who are both accomplished in their professions and inspired by the power of enterprise to improve lives. The ideal candidate will feel a strong alignment with Northwood’s mission and values, embracing a culture of academic excellence, accountability, and earned success.

Applicants are encouraged to learn more about The Northwood Idea philosophy and outcomes at https://www.northwood.edu/about/