Associate Director, Leadership Annual Giving

Job Description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission — with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact — guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.

The role of the UW’s Annual Philanthropy team is to build a community of supporters through strategic, omni-channel (integrated communications across mail, email, social, text, digital ad) programs that connect the University of Washington’s vision, philanthropic need and donor impact. Annual Philanthropy partners with UW campuses, units and central Advancement teams to strengthen giving across the donor continuum by optimizing resources, utilizing data-informed strategy and leveraging and amplifying engagement to raise funds for the UW’s top priorities.

Annual Philanthropy has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for Leadership Annual Giving. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Under the direction of the Executive Director for Annual Philanthropy, the Associate Director for Leadership Annual Giving will lead a team of fundraisers and play an integral role in strategy development for a growing mid-level program (annual gifts up to $99,999). This position will manage a portfolio of mid-level donor prospects with a focus on discovery, qualification, solicitation, retention, upgrading donors to gifts of $25,000+ and major gift prospect handoff. The Associate Director will liaise with fundraising teams across the UW in executing tactics to optimize our donor pipeline.

This position also supports broader University-wide efforts to build a diverse community of mid-level donors that reflect our alumni and communities, including supporting efforts to create more inclusive and equitable practices within University Advancement that best serve our teams and constituents.

What You Will Do

Donor Relationship Management (40%)

• Qualify, cultivate and solicit gifts up to $99,999 from a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends of the University of Washington.
• Identify, evaluate and engage potential donors using data-informed strategies and best practices.
• Facilitate clear and timely donor-facing communication between annual giving audiences and major gift fundraisers, supporting integrated, campus-wide philanthropy efforts.
• Participate in the planning and execution of digital campaigns (e.g., Husky Giving Day, crowdfunding, tribute campaigns).
  
  

Pipeline Program Development and Mid-Level Metrics and Support (20%)

• Collaborate with the Pipeline Data Strategy and Direct Response teams to build data-driven, multi-channel engagement strategies.
• Support the creation of new metrics, training and collaborative tools for mid-level/discovery officers.
• Drive prospect discovery, qualification and transitions to unit-based fundraisers.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising progress to ensure goals are met or exceeded.
  
  

Relationship Management (20%)

• Partner with the Executive Director to align Annual Philanthropy’s strategy with unit priorities.
• Develop and manage mid-level cultivation communications that include direct response initiatives.
• Implement and manage digital and individualized communications strategy for mid-level giving.
• Collaborate with University Advancement teams to achieve shared fundraising objectives.
  
  

Frontline Fundraiser Team Management (20%)

• Manage a growing team of mid-level/discovery officers who manage large portfolios of donors and prospects. Provide coaching and strategic direction.
• Manage all data components of mid-level work, including CRM appeal codes and data requests.
  
  

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree AND at least three years of successful frontline fundraising experience, including experience securing gifts above $25,000, or reaching annual fundraising campaign goals.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring

• Exhibited proficiency in sophisticated fundraising techniques, donor relations and trends.
• Supervisory experience or, if not directly a supervisor, demonstrated mentorship or partnership with frontline fundraisers and leadership.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships with campus partners and external constituencies.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills.
  
  

What You Can Expect

• Hybrid work schedule: at least two days a week in the office (UW Seattle).
• Cubicle/open workspace environment, which may result in higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short notice.
• Frequent local travel expected.
  
  

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Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$94,500.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$99,552.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.