Advancement Relations Officer

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Washington's University Advancement team supports the institution's legacy and public mission by fostering connections that build pride, advocacy, and philanthropic support. The Development team within University Advancement aims to facilitate private resources to enhance the University's reputation and support equitable community building. This role is within the College of Arts & Sciences, specifically supporting engagement, stewardship, and fundraising for the Arts Division. The Advancement Relations Officer will plan and coordinate events, support donor and alumni relations, develop stewardship communications and impact reports, and collaborate with various university units to strengthen engagement and fundraising goals. The position reports to the Director of Advancement Services and works closely with the Senior Director of Development for Arts and Humanities, partnering with teams across the College and University to implement events, communications, and donor engagement activities for the Schools of Art + Art History + Design, Drama, Music, and the Departments of Dance and DXARTS.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
2 years of experience in administrative support, development, advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, communications or related field.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration.

Nice To Haves

Experience with project management or program administration, preferably in a nonprofit, higher education, arts, or related environment.
Experience planning, coordinating, and executing events or engagement activities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
Knowledge of donor relations, stewardship, fundraising, advancement, or alumni relations practices.
Familiarity with arts organizations, arts education, or the broader arts community.
Experience using CRM, database, or other information management systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Access to reliable transportation for local travel, with the ability and willingness to drive to and from events and across campus as needed.
Ability to lift/move 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally for event setup and tear down.
Ability to stand 4 or more hours continuously during events (from setup to tear down) or on event days.
Ability to walk 4 or more hours continuously during events (from setup to tear down) or on event days.
Ability to work greater than a 10-hour day during events (from setup to tear down) or on event days.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across the Arts Division for donors, alumni, community members, and other key stakeholders.
Create meaningful engagement opportunities to strengthen connections among supporters and community partners.
Partner with colleagues across the Arts Division, University Advancement, and the broader University community to develop and deliver engaging event experiences.
Manage event logistics from planning through execution, including establishing goals, invitations, registrations, budgets, vendor coordination, communications, event-day support, and follow-up.
Maintain accurate event and constituent information within the Advancement CRM and support reporting and tracking efforts.
Support donor stewardship, cultivation, and engagement efforts through meaningful communications, recognition activities, and outreach initiatives.
Work closely with divisional dean and faculty leadership to draft stewardship communications.
Develop donor-focused materials, including gift acknowledgements, impact reports, student and faculty letters, and other stewardship communications.
Partner with academic units and Advancement colleagues to ensure gift funds are utilized and to highlight the impact of philanthropic support and communicate outcomes to donors and supporters.
Serve as a key resource for accepting gifts supporting Arts Division programs, scholarships, fellowships, and initiatives, ensuring accurate documentation and coordination.
Manage in-kind gift inquiries and acceptance procedures.
Maintain online giving resources and accurate constituent records to support donor engagement, stewardship, and fundraising efforts.
Collaborate with Advancement and Marketing & Communications partners to ensure consistent donor-facing messaging and engagement strategies.
Develop and coordinate communication and engagement plans that support Arts Division priorities.
Partner with Marketing & Communications colleagues to identify and promote stories, events, and accomplishments across the Arts Division.
Contribute to events, communications, and engagement initiatives that support broader College advancement efforts and other departmental priorities.