Associate Director for Advancement

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director for Advancement is a key frontline fundraiser for the University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D). The position identifies, qualifies, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects in support of OMA&D. As part of the broader advancement team for Academic and Student Affairs, the Associate Director develops and executes discovery, engagement, and solicitation strategies in coordination with advancement efforts across Academic and Student Affairs units. The role independently manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and donor relationships, while collaborating across OMA&D and University Advancement to align donor interests with institutional priorities. The position manages a portfolio of 75 or more major gift prospects, focusing on prospects who may be ready to be solicited within 12–18 months. It conducts donor outreach and engagement, develops solicitation strategies, supports fundraising initiatives and marquee events, prepares proposals and stewardship plans for gifts of $100,000 and above, maintains donor records, and works toward established fundraising goals. The role also represents OMA&D’s mission and the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; coordinates donor engagement and stewardship; builds relationships with advisory boards, councils, and affinity groups; and partners with the Director for Advancement on annual goals and fundraising strategies. This is a full-time, regular position based onsite at the UW Seattle campus, with some flexibility. Workload and hours may vary, including occasional evenings or weekends. Frequent local travel is expected, and travel may be required when necessary. The position is on first shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in development, advancement, or a related field; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute where permitted.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to build strong relationships.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and autonomously.
Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, with a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and access.
Ability to work onsite at the UW Seattle campus, with some flexibility.
Access to reliable transportation for local travel and willingness to travel when necessary; frequent local travel is expected.
Workload and times may vary, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education advancement or major gift fundraising, particularly donor qualification and engagement processes.
Experience securing six-figure gifts.
Familiarity with advancement databases and CRM systems.
Experience managing budgets and tracking performance metrics.
Experience working within a large, decentralized organization, in higher education or otherwise.
Familiarity with or connection to the University of Washington, its alumni and donor community, or OMA&D’s mission and the communities it serves.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 75 or more major gift prospects, focusing on prospects ready to be solicited within 12–18 months.
Conduct donor outreach and engagement, including substantive conversations, gift qualification, and solicitations aligned with OMA&D priorities and initiatives.
Develop and execute donor engagement and solicitation strategies aligned with best practices, budgets, and performance metrics.
Drive fundraising initiatives tied to marquee events, including soliciting and closing direct gifts.
Prepare proposals, briefing materials, and stewardship plans to advance major gifts of $100,000 and above.
Communicate program impact and outcomes to advance donor engagement and strengthen relationships.
Maintain accurate and timely records in University Advancement’s database and meet established fundraising goals.
Represent OMA&D’s mission and the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to donors and partners.
Collaborate with colleagues on inclusive engagement and stewardship strategies that demonstrate program impact.
Coordinate donor engagement and attendance at OMA&D events, including the Celebration Gala.
Prepare briefings and strategy materials to support unit leadership and volunteers in donor engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with advisory boards, councils, and affinity groups to deepen engagement and expand the donor base.
Partner with the Director for Advancement to set annual goals and fundraising strategies.
Track progress toward goals and contribute to reporting.
Stay informed about OMA&D initiatives and ensure work aligns with university policy and fundraising best practices.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and collaborations across university departments.
Perform other duties as assigned.