Associate Director for Advancement

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

4d•$99,240 - $103,008•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director for Advancement is a full-time, permanent frontline fundraising position in the University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D). The role 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 position independently manages a robust portfolio of major gift prospects and donor relationships and collaborates across OMA&D and University Advancement to align donor interests with institutional priorities. The role manages a portfolio of 75 or more major gift prospects, focusing on prospects ready to be solicited within 12–18 months. It conducts substantive donor conversations, gift qualification and solicitations; develops engagement and solicitation strategies; supports marquee fundraising events; prepares proposals and stewardship materials for major gifts of $100,000 and above; communicates program impact; and maintains accurate database records while meeting fundraising goals. The Associate Director represents OMA&D’s mission and the University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to donors and partners. The role coordinates donor engagement and attendance at events, including the Celebration Gala, and works with advisory boards, councils, affinity groups, unit leadership, volunteers and colleagues. In partnership with the Director for Advancement, it sets annual goals and strategies, tracks progress, contributes to reporting, stays informed about OMA&D initiatives and participates in team meetings, trainings and cross-departmental collaboration. The position is onsite at the UW Seattle campus with some flexibility, involves frequent local travel, and may require occasional evening or weekend work and travel when necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in development, advancement or a related field; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute except where legal requirements apply.
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 work 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.
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.
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 those 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.
Develop and execute donor engagement and solicitation strategies consistent 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 for 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.
Partner with colleagues to design and execute 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 align work with university policy and fundraising best practices.
Participate in team meetings, trainings and collaborations across university departments.
Perform other duties as assigned.