Career Center

The Advancement Director of Signature Events is responsible for the successful completion of signature events including Distinguished Women, Outstanding Business Leaders Award, Auto Show Gala, Bay Harbor, Dedication Events and any additional events developed by the university. This role will manage all logistics, staff coordination, volunteer relationships, communication and sponsorship solicitations related to the signature events. This position reports to the Vice President of Advancement.

Responsibilities: 

• Manage the logistics of signature events for the university including but not limited to Distinguished Women Awards, Outstanding Business Leaders Awards, Auto Show Gala and Bay Harbor
• Coordinate with the Student Alumni and Events Team, volunteers, faculty and staff related to signature events
• Engage a special gift prospect portfolio to qualify, cultivate, and solicit gifts in support of signature events
• Operate financially responsible signature events that cover the costs of their own operation, contribute to Northwood University philanthropically, and/or recommend changes to signature events that will build financially sustainable events
• Coordinate engagement of Honorees with the university

Expectations: 

• Manage all logistics and communications for the signature events
• Build and sustain relationships with individual volunteers and volunteer committees to execute the events
• Engage and re-engage donors through ongoing cultivation and stewardship
• Maximize the level of personal involvement with gift prospects, and in community groups and activities
• Develop and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, ethics, and respect for all affiliated with Northwood University
• Participate in frequent evening and weekend activities related to signature events
• Out-of-town travel will be required
• Be an effective and active member of the advancement team
• Adopt innovative uses of technology to improve initiatives related to signature events such as registration, online donations, and volunteer management

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience in fundraising and event planning
• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills in both speaking and writing
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced MS Office programs (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Familiar with databases
• Active participation in professional development activities and organizations

Northwood University has an institutional philosophy which emphasizes free enterprise in a context of limited government and individual responsibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong attraction to the mission and core values of Northwood University. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University’s outcomes at www.northwood.edu/aboutus/.

Competitive benefits package available including health, dental, vision and life insurance; retirement benefits; generous leave plan; flex spending plan; and tuition benefits for employee and family.

About Northwood University

Our Mission: We develop free-enterprise leaders who drive global economic and social progress. Our Vision: We inspire human potential through immersive learning to advance economic freedom, for everyone, everywhere. Our Values: We affirm the natural yearning in every human heart to be free. Our academic community welcomes individuals, their distinctive talents, and their potential to make a difference through a life well spent. We believe in: The advantages of an entrepreneurial, free society; Individual freedom and personal responsibility; Leading from a foundation of ethics and integrity; Embracing the global and multicultural nature of enterprise; Celebrating individual uniqueness and diversity of perspectives in an inclusive community.

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