Senior Advancement Officer

SPU Seattle Pacific University; United States; On-site; USD 95,400 - 116,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered

Tuition discount program for employees

7% retirement account contribution

Job summary

Seattle Pacific University seeks a Senior Advancement Officer committed to fostering donor relationships and securing philanthropic support for the university. This role involves managing a portfolio of major gift donors and collaborating with various university stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has significant experience in donor cultivation and solicitation, coupled with strong communication and organizational skills. A Bachelor’s degree is required, along with a commitment to the university's Christian mission.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising.
• Ability to manage a donor portfolio and execute moves-management strategies independently.
• Experience in writing compelling donor proposals and impact reports.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage relationships with current and prospective major and planned gift donors.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships by understanding donor interests.
• Track and manage all donor activity in Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Donor solicitation

Relationship building

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Salesforce

Job description

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university committed to engaging the culture and changing the world through the education of people who combine competence, character, wisdom, and grace-filled community.

Position Overview

The Senior Advancement Officer will cultivate and manage relationships with current and prospective major and planned gift donors, play a key role in securing philanthropic support aligned with SPU’s strategic priorities, and report directly to the Vice President for University Advancement.

Responsibilities

Major Gift Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 80–100 donors and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of annual gifts of $5,000+, multi‑year commitments of $25,000+, and planned gifts of $30,000+.
• Develop and execute individualized moves‑management plans for each constituent.
• Conduct regular donor engagement through email, phone, virtual meetings, and in‑person visits.

Donor Strategy & Relationship Building

• Build strong, trust‑based relationships by understanding donor interests and aligning them with university priorities.
• Develop compelling donor proposals that balance institutional needs with donor passions.
• Track and manage all donor activity, communication, and proposals in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Partner with Prospect Development to identify and qualify new donor prospects.

Collaboration & Institutional Engagement

• Work closely with University Advancement colleagues to achieve shared fundraising goals.
• Partner with university leaders, deans, faculty, and staff to understand and articulate funding priorities.
• Collaborate with Donor Relations to develop and communicate giving opportunities.
• Participate in team meetings, strategy sessions, and Advancement events.

Donor Engagement & External Relations

• Attend campus events and activities to deepen understanding of SPU programs and student impact.
• Represent SPU in external settings, building relationships within broader communities.
• Participate in professional development opportunities related to fundraising and advancement.

Administrative & Planning Responsibilities

• Manage travel planning, expense reporting, and donor correspondence.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all donor interactions and strategies.
• Monitor progress toward annual goals and adjust strategies as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2–3 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, including demonstrated success in donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Ability to manage a portfolio and execute moves‑management strategies independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of constituents.
• Experience writing compelling donor proposals and impact reports.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the United States as needed.
• Resides in the state of Washington.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant fundraising experience, particularly in managing donor portfolios and securing major gifts.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Experience using donor management systems such as Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce.

Mission Alignment

• A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission.
• Alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith.
• Willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community.

Compensation & Position Details

Salary: Starting at $106,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Status: Full‑time, exempt.
Location: Main Campus in Seattle, WA, with required travel.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered by SPU.
• HSA/HRA contributions.
• 7% retirement account contribution with immediate vesting (when eligible).
• Tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.

EEO Statement

Seattle Pacific University provides reasonable accommodation to applicants. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (206)281‑2809, or email [e-mail]. Notification must be given at least five (5) working days before the accommodation is needed.