Director for Development, Burke Museum

University of Washington Medical Center • Seattle, WA

6d • $125,736 - $138,984 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director for Development serves as a key member of the Burke Museum leadership team and provides strategic leadership for the museum’s fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. Reporting jointly to the Executive Director of the Burke Museum and the Senior Director for Special Initiatives in College of Arts & Sciences Advancement, the director oversees major gifts, annual giving, membership, planned giving, fundraising events and campaign initiatives. The role partners across the museum and University of Washington to advance organizational goals, grow fundraising and membership, and strengthen engagement with donors, volunteers and the broader community. As the museum’s lead fundraising strategist, the director builds relationships with donors, board members, volunteers and community partners, leads a collaborative team and contributes to the museum’s strategic priorities.

The Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture connects the past, present and future through collections, exhibits and programs concerning the natural world, Washington State’s peoples and cultures, and science. Its Development team oversees the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of museum donors.

This is a full-time, permanent, on-site position based at the Burke Museum. The role involves work in a public-facing environment with visual and audible distractions, and may require evening or weekend hours and schedule flexibility, occasionally on short or limited notice. Local and regional independent travel is also required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in development/advancement, institutional or nonprofit development, including experience cultivating and soliciting major gifts. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements apply.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives, navigate ambiguity and build collaborative relationships across diverse groups.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual giving, campaigns, foundation and corporate relations, fundraising events and donor stewardship.
• Proven track record securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience in a museum, cultural institution, higher education or similarly mission-driven organization.
• Experience leading and developing teams, managing budgets and balancing multiple organizational priorities.
• Experience partnering with active boards, volunteer leaders and committees to advance fundraising and organizational goals.
• Experience using donor management and fundraising systems to support strategy, reporting and constituent engagement.
• Knowledge of higher education advancement and integrated fundraising models.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations and other supporters to secure philanthropic support for the museum.
• Support the Executive Director’s donor portfolio and provide guidance and oversight for development team portfolios.
• Lead annual fundraising efforts, including major gifts, membership, unrestricted and restricted giving, fundraising events, campaign priorities and endowment growth.
• Monitor fundraising performance, donor engagement and membership trends to inform strategy and planning.
• Lead and develop the Burke Museum Development team, overseeing priorities, daily operations, staff development and fundraising activities.
• Manage the Development team’s budget, resource planning and relationships with external vendors and consultants.
• Partner with the Director of Communications and other museum leaders on coordinated engagement, fundraising and organizational priorities.
• Serve on the Burke Museum leadership team and collaborate across the museum and University to advance shared goals.
• Model and uphold the museum’s commitment to equitable and inclusive practices.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board leadership to recruit, engage and steward Board members.
• Support Board fundraising efforts and help Board members serve effectively as ambassadors and leadership volunteers.
• Serve as a liaison to Board committees and support planning for Board and committee meetings and the annual retreat.
• Partner with UW Advancement colleagues and leverage university resources to support the Burke Museum’s fundraising goals.
• Serve as a visible advocate for the Burke Museum, promoting its mission, programs and impact within the community.

Benefits

• The University describes outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Visit the UW staff benefits website for position-specific benefits information.

What This Job Offers

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