Director of Development

Internal • Bellingham, WA

5d

About The Position

Western Washington University is seeking a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program that engages and solicits alumni, parents, friends, community members, businesses, and civic leaders. The role is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more and advancing fundraising priorities established by the University and its academic partners. Annual success is measured by fundraising activity and donation results. The position reports to the Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts, in University Advancement.

The Director manages the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, using face-to-face, phone, and video engagement. The role requires regional and national travel, with a heavy focus on the Puget Sound area. It also involves working across University Advancement and with college, department, alumni, foundation, and other partners to develop fundraising strategies, build relationships with diverse communities, and support inclusive achievement. The position requires occasional evening and weekend work.

This is a full-time position. The hiring range is $90,714–$104,323 per year, depending on qualifications and experience; the position tops out at $117,928 per year through longevity. Employees must comply with the university’s immunization policies, including providing proof of Rubeola measles immunity within 60 days of hire. New employees must also meet employment eligibility verification requirements and undergo a background check, including a sexual misconduct background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of experience in frontline fundraising or a related field.
• Experience working with or for a nonprofit.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer-service orientation.
• Poised, professional manner and ability to communicate clearly and empathetically in writing and in person.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office, Teams, and Zoom.
• Ability to travel at least once a week within Washington State and travel out of state overnight; a valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on a campus in a higher education environment.
• Experience with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Proven success in face-to-face asks and closing gifts valued at $25,000 or more.
• Experience working on a large-scale, organized fundraising campaign.

Responsibilities

• Strategically identify, engage, qualify, and cultivate prospects, then solicit major gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Travel regionally and nationally to connect personally with constituents, with a heavy focus on the Puget Sound area.
• Complete 70–125 substantial contacts and 18–24 major gift solicitations per year.
• Prepare written proposals, background reports, and other materials for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, Communications, and Special Events teams to advance university fundraising goals.
• Design and implement a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for university and academic-partner priorities.
• Develop fundraising strategies in coordination with the Senior Director of Development and University Advancement colleagues.
• Follow up with donors and prospects in a timely manner.
• Cultivate relationships with diverse communities and individuals who have not otherwise been approached.
• Steward donors by reporting consistently and thoughtfully on the impact of their gifts.
• Build, develop, and manage a portfolio of 100–150 major and principal gift prospects in collaboration with the Director of Prospect Research.
• Complete timely contact reports and record and track activity in the university’s prospect management and tracking system, including recording asks in the database.
• Collaborate with staff supporting college and department development efforts, other unit-based gift officers, Corporate Relations and Foundations, and Planned Giving to build partnerships and secure multidisciplinary gifts.
• Continue learning about the fundraising profession, benchmarking, and making professional connections.
• Use engagement opportunities from Alumni Engagement and collaborate to create new opportunities for constituents.
• Participate in and collaborate with the Alumni Association, Foundation, and unit-based Advancement Boards.

What This Job Offers

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