Senior Advancement Officer

Senior Advancement Officer

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. The Office of University Advancement partners with alumni, parents, and friends to support the mission and priorities of SPU through meaningful philanthropic engagement. Our work is rooted in building lasting relationships, connecting donor passions with institutional needs, and advancing the long-term sustainability and impact of the university.

Seattle Pacific University is seeking a Senior Advancement Officer to cultivate and manage relationships with current and prospective major and planned gift donors. This is a position that plays a key role in securing philanthropic support aligned with SPU's strategic priorities. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, this role manages a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making annual gifts of $5,000 or more, multi-year commitments, and planned gifts. Success in this role is measured through portfolio engagement, moves management progress, and achievement of annual fundraising goals. The ideal candidate is relational, strategic, and self-directed, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and inspire generosity.

Major Gift Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 80–100 donors and prospects
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of annual gifts of $5,000+, multi-year commitments of $25,000+, and planned gifts of $30,000+
• Develop and execute individualized moves management plans for each constituent
• Conduct regular donor engagement through email, phone, virtual meetings, and in-person visits

Donor Strategy & Relationship Building

• Build strong, trust-based relationships by understanding donor interests and aligning them with university priorities
• Develop compelling donor proposals that balance institutional needs with donor passions
• Track and manage all donor activity, communication, and proposals in Raiser's Edge NXT
• Partner with Prospect Development to identify and qualify new donor prospects

Collaboration & Institutional Engagement

• Work closely with University Advancement colleagues to achieve shared fundraising goals
• Partner with university leaders, deans, faculty, and staff to understand and articulate funding priorities
• Collaborate with Donor Relations to develop and communicate giving opportunities
• Participate in team meetings, strategy sessions, and Advancement events

Donor Engagement & External Relations

• Attend campus events and activities to deepen understanding of SPU programs and student impact
• Represent SPU in external settings, building relationships within broader communities
• Participate in professional development opportunities related to fundraising and advancement

Administrative & Planning Responsibilities

• Manage travel planning, expense reporting, and donor correspondence
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all donor interactions and strategies
• Monitor progress toward annual goals and adjust strategies as needed

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree
• 2–3 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, including demonstrated success in donor cultivation and solicitation
• Ability to manage a portfolio and execute moves management strategies independently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of constituents
• Experience writing compelling donor proposals and impact reports
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• This is an on-campus position, but the Senior Advancement Officer will have a willingness and ability to travel within the United States as needed
• The Senior Advancement Officer resides in the State of WA
• Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU's mission; alignment with the University's Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant fundraising experience, particularly in managing donor portfolios and securing major gifts
• Demonstrated success securing and managing gifts of $50,000 or more
• Experience using donor management systems such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce

Compensation & Position Details

• Salary: Starting at $106,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Status: Full-time, exempt
• Location: Main Campus in Seattle, WA, with required travel
• Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.