Director for Advancement

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 College of Engineering has an exciting opening for a Director for Advancement. This is a full-time permanent position. The Director of Advancement serves as the lead fundraising strategist and primary fundraiser for the Kren Engineering-based Medicine Institute (KEMI). KEMI’s mission is to leverage innovative technologies to develop creative solutions to prevent and alleviate human suffering from disease and injury, and to create an enduring and unparalleled environment to promote collaborations between clinicians and engineers to transform the future of health and healthcare. Reporting to the Senior Director for Advancement for Individual Giving in the College of Engineering, with a dotted-line relationship to the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Giving and Special Initiatives at UW Medicine Advancement, the Director develops and implements a comprehensive strategy to generate philanthropic support for KEMI. The Director manages a portfolio of major- and principal-level donor prospects and builds fundraising partnerships in support of KEMI. In partnership with academic and advancement leaders, the Director aligns fundraising strategies with KEMI’s priorities and develops proposals and funding options. What You Will Do: Frontline Fundraising (75%) Manage a portfolio of up to 125 prospects, primarily individual philanthropists, with occasional inclusion of strategic foundation and corporate donors. Develop and carry out fundraising strategies to secure philanthropic support for KEMI, including gifts of $100,000+, in partnership with academic leaders, faculty, and advancement colleagues. Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through meaningful engagement, aligning donor interests with KEMI priorities. Partner with academic leaders to shape and communicate a compelling case for support. Plan and conduct prospect meetings and visits; prepare briefing materials and customized proposals; and support strategic cultivation and stewardship activities. Support and design strategic cultivation and stewardship events. Travel as needed to cultivate prospects, present proposals, and steward existing relationships. Collaborate with advancement colleagues across the College of Engineering, UW Medicine, and University Advancement to coordinate donor engagement and ensure effective stewardship. Identify and qualify new major gift prospects, including UW Medicine grateful patients and individuals identified through research. Prepare timely impact and stewardship reports and ensure compliance with all University gift acceptance policies. Strategy and Program Development (20%) Provide strategic fundraising guidance in support of KEMI’s philanthropic priorities. Support and encourage KEMI leadership, faculty, and advancement partners in fundraising efforts. Use donor data to inform prospect strategy, prioritization, and outreach. Assist with portfolio goal setting, monitor progress toward annual goals, and report on fundraising results. In partnership with advancement leadership, contribute to the development and execution of the annual KEMI fundraising plan. Other Duties (5%) Participate in University Advancement, College of Engineering, and KEMI meetings and events, as appropriate. Engage in professional development activities. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department. Bachelor’s degree AND a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in institutional advancement, preferably in higher education and/or health care, with an emphasis on frontline fundraising and soliciting major gifts. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts, including experience developing and closing gifts of $1 million or more through complex, collaborative prospect strategies. Proven ability to establish, cultivate, solicit, and steward trust-based relationships with individual philanthropists. Strong capability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with academic leaders, administrators, and advancement partners across organizations. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies aligned with organizational mission, priorities, and goals, both independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Experience crafting compelling fundraising proposals and solicitation materials for individual donors. Ability to work independently and proactively, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and initiative while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders and navigate complex partnerships with tact and professionalism. Demonstrated creativity, organizational strength, and attention to detail, including the ability to make informed decisions in ambiguous situations. Knowledge of advancement principles within higher education, healthcare fundraising, or a related environment, including familiarity with the integrated advancement model. Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel as needed for donor work. What You Can Expect: Hybrid-work schedule with three days in the office and two days eligible for telework per week. Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions. Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice. #UWUAJOBS Compensation, Benefits and Position Details Pay Range Minimum: $130,008.00 annual Pay Range Maximum: $135,000.00 annual Other Compensation: - Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. 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