Director for Development, Global Affairs

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site work environment

Job summary

University of Washington Global is seeking a Director of Development to lead fundraising and donor engagement for global affairs and education initiatives. The role manages high-level donor relationships, designs strategies, and collaborates across campus to advance student access and international programs.

The position reports to senior leadership, involves managing major and principal gifts, and requires a track record in global fundraising within a large public university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of development experience.
• Experience with global affairs, global education, or international programs.
• Ability to lead fundraising strategy and manage donor portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy for UW Global and education priorities, managing major gift prospects.
• Build and advance donor pipeline across sectors using research and partnerships.
• Develop cases for support and lead capital campaign efforts.
• Advance funding priorities for experiential learning and international student support.
• Lead annual fundraising planning with goal setting and reporting.
• Inform long-term philanthropic strategy and institutional planning.
• Oversee annual initiatives aligning with strategy and communications.
• Build connections with academic units and advancement teams.
• Form strategic partnerships to support global education funding.
• Design long-term donor and alumni engagement strategies.

Skills

Major gift securing

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Global affairs experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

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

Strategic Fundraising & Portfolio Leadership (60%)

• 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.

Cross‑Unit Leadership & Partnership (10%)

• 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%)

(No items listed in source; retained heading for completeness.)

Required Qualifications

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.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$115,584.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$115,584.00 annual

Benefits

(No specific benefits listed in source; retained heading.)

Other Compensation

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem‑solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.