Director for Development, Burke Museum

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

5d•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 to advance organizational goals, support fundraising and membership growth, 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 while leading a collaborative team and contributing to the museum’s strategic priorities. The position leads and develops the Development team, manages its budget and resources, supports the Burke Museum Association Board, and represents the museum in the community. This is a full-time, permanent, regular, on-site position based at the Burke Museum.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in development/advancement or institutional or nonprofit development, including experience cultivating and soliciting major gifts. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications where permitted.
Submit a cover letter addressing interest in the role and Burke Museum, relevant experience leading fundraising efforts and managing teams and budgets, and experience working with boards, donors, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work in an environment visible to the public with visual and audible distractions.
Ability to work evening and weekend hours and flex days, as necessary, on short or limited notice; workload and hours may vary, including occasional evenings or weekends.
Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel independently to local and regional locations as needed.

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.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage and influence a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives, navigate ambiguity, and build collaborative relationships across diverse groups.
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.
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.
Liaise with 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 museum’s fundraising goals.
Serve as a visible advocate for the Burke Museum and promote its mission, programs, and impact in the community.