Director for Development, Global Affairs

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington’s Global Affairs unit seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising for UW Global and global education initiatives. This senior role manages major donor portfolios, designs integrated development strategies, and partners across academic units to sustain student success and institutional priorities.

The Director will advance coordinated fundraising efforts, build donor relationships, and contribute to strategic planning within Academic & Student Affairs Advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Proven success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy for UW Global and global education priorities with six-figure gifts.
• Build and advance donor pipeline across sectors using research and partnerships.
• Develop compelling cases for support and lead capital campaigns.
• Advance funding priorities including study abroad and international student support.
• Cultivate relationships to position UW as a leader in global engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

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 mission of the Development team is to facilitate private resources to enhance and protect the University’s reputation and support equitable community building and service. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

Global Affairs/UW Global has an exciting opening for a Director for Development, Global Affairs. This is a full-time permanent position.

About this Opportunity

UW Global is the University of Washington’s gateway to international engagement, connecting faculty, students, and staff with global opportunities in teaching, research, and learning. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Global Affairs and the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs, the Director of Development serves as the principal advancement lead for UW Global and global education initiatives and as a member of the Academic & Student Affairs Advancement leadership team.

The Director designs and implements integrated development strategies; manages high-level donor and prospect relationships; and advances coordinated fundraising efforts that support student success, academic excellence, and institutional priorities across the University of Washington.

This role provides senior-level leadership for philanthropic strategy, managing a portfolio that includes major and principal gifts, and positions global affairs and education essential to student success and UW’s role as a global public institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy supporting the university’s global engagement strategies, UW Global, and global education priorities, managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, including six-figure and transformational commitments.
• Build and advance a robust pipeline by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors across individual, corporate, foundation, and public sectors, using research, analytics, and faculty and advancement partnerships.
• Develop compelling cases for support and lead capital campaign and advisory efforts, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities and strengthening regional and national engagement networks.
• Advance integrated funding priorities across global engagement and education, including experiential learning (study abroad, internships, local global experiences, etc), international student support, and cross-unit initiatives that expand access, strengthen belonging, and support scalable program models.
• Strategically cultivate and deepen relationships with local and global civic and corporate positioning UW as a leader in global engagement and aligning shared interests with philanthropic and partnership opportunities.

Leadership, Planning & Operations (15%)

• Lead annual fundraising planning, including goal setting, forecasting, and performance evaluation, while maintaining accurate reporting and compliance.
• Inform long‑term philanthropic strategy and institutional planning, aligning fundraising efforts with UW Global priorities and broader advancement goals.
• Oversee annual philanthropic initiatives, ensuring alignment with fundraising strategy and contributing to communications and marketing efforts that elevate impact.
• Build and maintain strong connections across academic units, administrative partners, and advancement teams, aligning fundraising efforts across campus.
• Form strategic internal partnerships (e.g., CIRCLE, Uplift UW, International Student Services) to support a coordinated and cohesive global education funding strategy.

Donor, Alumni & External Engagement (10%)

• Design and implement long‑term donor and alumni engagement strategies, translating complex global initiatives into clear, compelling narratives.
• Create meaningful opportunities for donor connection and activate alumni as advocates, mentors, and philanthropic partners, ensuring strong stewardship and recognition practices.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional 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.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of experience in development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success securing major and principal gifts, managing complex donor portfolios, and a strong understanding of development and stewardship principles.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, judgement, and excellent communication skills.
• Experience with global affairs, global education, or international programs.
• Experience in cross‑cultural contexts and within large, complex organizations such as academic institutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to student access, equity, and inclusion.

Working Conditions

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.
• Occasional local/domestic/international travel expected.
• On‑site work schedule with some flexibility for telework.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

Please address the following in your cover letter:

• Explain how your experience and qualifications align with a front‑line fundraising position with emphasis on cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Include your interest in the role, UW and the Office of Global Affairs.