Associate Director for Development, Social Sciences

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Washington's College of Arts and Sciences is seeking an Associate Director for Development, Social Sciences. This full-time permanent position involves managing a large portfolio of prospects across 14 degree-granting programs within the Division of Social Sciences. The role focuses on securing major gifts to support academic programs, research, and student initiatives by building strong donor relationships and translating the College's vision to diverse audiences. The Development team aims to facilitate private resources to enhance the University's reputation and support equitable community building and service, fostering a culture of belonging within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree AND five years of experience in institutional development/advancement, with an emphasis on cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Proven capacity to build, steward and sustain strong donor and stakeholder relationships aligned with institutional priorities.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively to develop and execute fundraising strategies aligned with organizational mission and goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively, demonstrate empathy and resolve conflicts through open dialogue.
• Strong organizational skills including managing multiple priorities, exercising sound judgment and performing effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Effectively collaborates as part of a team and building positive, productive relationships.
• Experience taking initiative, thinking creatively and identifying opportunities to achieve results.
• Demonstrated integrity and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding organizational values.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reports, data management and communications materials.
• Knowledge of alumni relations, development, or advancement principles.
• Access to regular and reliable transportation for local travel and willing to travel when necessary.
• A cover letter explaining how experience and qualifications align with a front-line fundraising position with emphasis on cultivating and soliciting major gifts, including interest in the role, UW and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gift fundraising efforts by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, negotiating and stewarding gifts of $100,000 or more, primarily from individuals, with some engagement of corporate and foundation partners.
• Manage a portfolio of 100 to 125 major gift prospects, developing and implementing individualized strategies and conducting ongoing qualification.
• Drive donor engagement and pipeline growth by making 75 to 125 substantive contacts annually, qualifying new prospects, including cold outreach and advancing relationships toward solicitation.
• Secure major gifts by soliciting five to ten gifts annually and raising approximately $375,000 to $4.5 million each year.
• Develop donor materials such as proposals, agreements and gift illustrations.
• Maintain accurate records in the prospect management system and report regularly to the Director of Development for Social Sciences.
• Work with the Director of Development for Social Sciences to develop gift strategies.
• Collaborate with staff in Principal Giving, Regional Giving, Planned Giving and Corporate and Foundation Relations in preparing solicitation strategies for assigned prospects in portfolio.
• Coordinate participation in major gift fundraising activities and engagement efforts for administrators, academic leaders, volunteers and advancement staff.
• Pursue professional development and provide training in major gift fundraising for staff, faculty and volunteers.
• Participate in annual planning and assist leadership in establishing annual goals, strategies, objectives and developing policies and procedures.
• Provide strategic leadership in designing and implementing advancement programs needed to sustain and grow university support.
• Evaluate programs, assess progress toward goals and report on results.
• Support marketing and communications efforts by editing and proofreading information, as needed.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid schedule (three days in office, two days telework)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level