Associate Director for Philanthropy - UW Medicine

Job Description

UW Medicine Advancement has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director for Philanthropy to join their team.

Reporting to the Senior Director for Philanthropy, the Associate Director for Philanthropy serves as a strategic front line fundraiser advancing research, patient care, and education across UW Medicine. As part of a dynamic major gifts team, this role builds meaningful relationships with donors, faculty leaders, and volunteers to secure transformational philanthropic support for the Cancer Vaccine Institute, the Department of Dermatology, the Department of Urology, and the Division of Simulation Science.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, mission‑driven fundraiser to translate complex clinical and scientific priorities into compelling donor investments that improve lives in our community and beyond.

• Build and manage a major gift portfolio, with annual expectations of 75–125 substantive donor contacts, 25 major gift qualifications, and 4–10 major gift solicitations resulting in approximately $500,000 to $1 million raised annually.
• Develop and execute strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for prospects and donors; prepare proposals, endowment agreements, and related donor materials; and maintain accurate activity tracking in the University’s prospect management system.
• Partner with faculty, academic and hospital leaders, volunteers, and colleagues across Advancement—including Pipeline and Planned Giving—to identify prospects, shape compelling funding opportunities, and deliver a high‑quality donor experience that aligns gifts with institutional priorities.

• Contribute to annual operating plans and fundraising strategy by analyzing portfolio, pipeline, engagement, and gift data to forecast results, inform adjustments, and maintain progress toward annual goals.
• Develop working knowledge of UW Medicine’s research, patient care, and education priorities, and ensure fundraising activities involving patients are conducted in compliance with HIPAA and other applicable policies.
• Pursue ongoing professional development, complete annual self‑assessment and related performance requirements, and support additional Advancement priorities as assigned.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Four or more years of increasingly responsible experience in institutional advancement, preferably including experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership gifts.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Experience with face‑to‑face cultivation and solicitation activities, along with strong written communication skills and the ability to distill complex scientific or medical information into clear, compelling donor‑facing materials.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, judgment, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and perform effectively in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism, plus proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams) and the ability to learn UW donor CRM and other proprietary systems.

• Major gift officer experience in a healthcare, medical research, and/or higher education setting.

• Performs work primarily in a shared office environment with standard office noise and activity, including calls, meetings, and in‑person collaboration.
• Frequent local and regional travel and some national travel are required, along with regular evening and weekend…