Senior Director of Development

Western Washington University

Senior Director of Development

Western Washington University (WWU), a nationally recognized institution with nearly 15,000 students, is inviting nominations and applications for the Senior Director of Development. Located in beautiful Bellingham, WA, a coastal community of 90,000, Western is committed to academic excellence, inclusive achievement, and making a positive impact across Washington and beyond.

The Senior Director of Development manages a team of fundraisers with a goal of raising money for all colleges and programs across WWU and is a strategic partner to all academic and development professionals in securing philanthropic gifts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the Senior Director will play a pivotal role in building relationships, mentoring colleagues, and closing major gifts ($25,000+), with an emphasis on principal gifts at the $250,000+ level.

• Design and implementation of comprehensive development plans.
• Managing, coaching, and mentoring development team members and ensuring the team achieves its annual fundraising goals and metrics.
• Serve as primary liaison between deans and academic partners.
• Focus on strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting prospects for gifts.
• Work collaboratively with members of the Annual Giving, Corporations and Foundation Relations, Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, Communications, and Special Events team in order to further fundraising goals for the university.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of experience in successful frontline fundraising for a university or nonprofit organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation.
• Poised, professional manner with the ability to express oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others including written and in‑person.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using technology – such as Microsoft Office suite, Teams, and Zoom.
• Ability to travel (including a valid driver’s license at time of hire) at least once a week within Washington State, and outside the state for overnight travel.
• Proven success in face‑to‑face asks and the closing of gifts valued at $25,000 and above.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Management experience.

• Experience with a Customer Relationship Management System (CRM).
• Proven success working with principal giving level donors ($250,000).
• Experience working on a large‑scale, organized fundraising campaign.
• Experience with mentoring and coaching colleagues and administrators.

• Hiring range is $102,954 - $118,398/year depending on qualifications and experience. Through longevity position tops out at $133,840/year.
• Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Western Washington University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by December 4, 2025
. Application materials should include:

• Letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position
• Current résumé/curriculum vitae
• A list of three professional references

Please submit full application packets here.

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.

Nominations and confidential inquiries can be sent to:

Jim Johnsen, Vice President of Executive Search

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Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant

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Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed,…