Director for Development

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

University of Washington Tacoma is seeking a Director for Development. This full-time role leads fundraising strategies for targeted schools and programs, manages major gift solicitations, and partners with campus leaders to advance philanthropy.

The position emphasizes donor engagement, proposal development, and stewardship across the UW Tacoma community. The Director supports guidance from the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, collaborates with deans and volunteers, and works in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with five+ years in development/advancement, frontline fundraising, stewarding and soliciting major gifts.
• Experience building donor-centered relationships and sustaining partnerships over time.
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising systems; ability to track metrics and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of philanthropic prospects focused on major gifts.
• Identify and qualify new donor prospects using research and networks.
• Engage donors through meaningful, mostly face-to-face interactions and develop cultivation plans.
• Prepare and submit major gift proposals, including $100,000+ solicitations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to coordinate donor engagement and prepare materials.
• Maintain donor records and use prospect tracking tools to report progress.

Skills

Frontline fundraising

Donor engagement

Major gifts

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Donor database

Fundraising systems

Job description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.

The University of Washington Tacoma is a growing, urban-serving university that is deeply invested in its local and regional community. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to innovative teaching, scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations. UW Tacoma’s commitment to diversity and accessibility for all is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

UW Tacoma has an exciting opening for a Director for Development. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Director for Development is a front-line fundraiser responsible for developing and executing strategies to solicit gifts of greatest impact in support of the University of Washington Tacoma. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, this position partners with Deans, faculty, academic and student affairs leaders, and volunteers to plan and sustain gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. The Director for Development is accountable for directing fundraising initiatives for assigned schools, units, and programs.

What You Will Do:

• Manage a portfolio of philanthropic prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who have the capacity to make major gifts.
• Identify and qualify new donor prospects using research tools, donor information, and professional networks, including prospects interested in planned giving.
• Engage donors and prospects through meaningful interactions, primarily face-to-face, and translate those conversations into clear, actionable cultivation and solicitation plans.
• Prepare, submit, and follow through on major gift proposals, including solicitations of $100,000 or more, aligned with fundraising priorities.
• Work within an established fundraising metrics and accountability framework, managing activity levels, proposals, progress toward goals, and reporting regularly on results.
• Work collaboratively with advancement colleagues across the University to coordinate donor engagement, prepare briefing materials, and support solicitation efforts.
• Prepare proposals, gift agreements, and supporting materials in coordination with advancement and gift services colleagues, ensuring accurate documentation and timely donor acknowledgment.
• Engage volunteers and advisory board members, when appropriate, to support fundraising and donor relationships.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and participate in prospect tracking using the University of Washington’s donor database.
• Stay informed about fundraising priorities and work with campus leaders and advancement colleagues to support gifts for both immediate and long-term impact.

Strategy and Program Development (25%)

• Develop and lead fundraising strategies for assigned schools, units, and academic and student affairs programs, using best practices to meet established goals; provide strategic guidance to shape and advance philanthropic priorities.
• Create and implement an annual fundraising plan that outlines clear goals, strategies, and priorities, and track progress throughout the year.
• Design and carry out development programs and targeted fundraising initiatives that support sustained and increased philanthropic support.
• Regularly evaluate fundraising programs, assess progress toward goals, and share clear updates on outcomes and impact.
• Effectively communicate and advocate for UW Tacoma’s mission, priorities, and funding needs to donors and community partners.
• Represent UW Tacoma at donor engagements, campus events, and relevant professional gatherings.
• Support marketing and communications efforts by identifying compelling stories and opportunities that highlight fundraising priorities and impact.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

A bachelor’s degree AND five (5) years of experience in development/advancement, with an emphasis on frontline fundraising, stewarding and soliciting major gifts. Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in major gift fundraising, with a strong understanding of the full donor engagement process, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Proven ability to build and maintain donor-centered relationships based on trust, credibility, and long-term partnership.
• Experience working toward clearly defined fundraising goals and activity metrics, with the ability to track progress, manage performance expectations, and use data to inform strategy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to navigate differing perspectives and resolve conflict through open, respectful dialogue.
• High ethical standards and sound judgment, with a commitment to integrity, transparency, and responsible fundraising practices.
• Effective critical thinking and decision-making skills, particularly in complex or evolving situations.
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising systems.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid-work schedule with four days in the office and one day eligible for telework per week.
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.
• Access to regular and reliable transportation for local travel.