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.

The Information School has an exciting opening for the Director of Development. This is a full-time permanent position.   

The Director of Development drives major gift fundraising efforts for the Information School, working closely with the Assistant Dean for Development to identify priorities and implement strategies for donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Together, they guide strategic decision-making and oversee development programs that support the school’s fundraising goals. The Director also shares supervisory responsibilities for development staff and plays a key role in mentoring front-line fundraisers and stewardship team members.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Frontline Fundraising (70%) 
•Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects for the Information School, with an emphasis on Top 25 prospects expected to be solicited within 12-18 months.
•Develop and implement solicitation strategies for each assigned major gift prospect taking into account established best practices and metrics for performance.
•Partner with frontline fundraisers across the University to identify lead prospects for emerging campaign initiatives.
•Generate new leads and qualify major and planned gift prospects through research, tracking tools, donor data, faculty networks and collaboration with fundraising colleagues.
•Ensure accurate and complete record-keeping, including contact reports and associated donor acknowledgements
•Prepare written and verbal proposals, case statements, informational materials, endowment agreements, gift illustrations and other necessary materials for securing gifts and grants.
•Work closely with other Advancement teams—including Regional and Internal Giving, Principal Gifts, Planned Giving and Corporate & Foundation Relations—to develop and  execute engagement and solicitation strategies.

Leadership and Team Management (15%)
•In partnership with the Assistant Dean for Development, lead fundraisers and advancement services staff in developing meaningful donor experiences that qualify, cultivate and steward donors to deepen their engagement with the University.
•Lead and support the planning and execution of the school’s advancement events and related efforts that strategically engage donors, volunteers and prospects.
•Represent the school at donor events, as well as at University, community and professional functions.
•Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders within the Information School and across the Advancement community.
•Identify professional development opportunities for the advancement team, particularly related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advancement. Support the team in applying those learnings into practice.

Strategy and Program Development (10%)
•Inform and contribute to strategy development that promotes the school’s philanthropic priorities.
•Assist leadership with establishing annual goals and objectives and developing policies and procedures for the school’s advancement program.
•Participate in creating annual plans, including defined goals, objectives and strategies.
•Evaluate program effectiveness, track progress toward goals, and regularly report on results using data and analytics.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor’s degree AND at least five years of experience in institutional development/advancement or a related field, with an emphasis on cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:
•Demonstrated success in soliciting major gifts, particularly planned gifts, complex gifts or gifts to multiple areas
•Experience managing or mentoring staff and supporting team members’ professional growth.
•Knowledge of alumni relations, development and/or advancement principles.

What You Can Expect:
•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 needed, on short or limited notice.
•Frequent local travel expected.