Director for Development

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 University of Washington Tacoma is a growing, urban-serving university that is deeply invested in its local and regional community. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to innovative teaching, scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations. UW Tacoma’s commitment to diversity and accessibility for all is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

The Director for Development is a front-line fundraiser responsible for developing and executing strategies to solicit gifts of greatest impact in support of the University of Washington Tacoma. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, this position partners with Deans, faculty, academic and student affairs leaders, and volunteers to plan and sustain gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. The Director for Development is accountable for directing fundraising initiatives for assigned schools, units, and programs.

• Manage a portfolio of philanthropic prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who have the capacity to make major gifts.
• Identify and qualify new donor prospects using research tools, donor information, and professional networks, including prospects interested in planned giving.
• Engage donors and prospects through meaningful interactions, primarily face-to-face, and translate those conversations into clear, actionable cultivation and solicitation plans.
• Prepare, submit, and follow through on major gift proposals, including solicitations of $100,000 or more, aligned with fundraising priorities.
• Work within an established fundraising metrics and accountability framework, managing activity levels, proposals, progress toward goals, and reporting regularly on results.
• Work collaboratively with advancement colleagues across the University to coordinate donor engagement, prepare briefing materials, and support solicitation efforts.
• Prepare proposals, gift agreements, and supporting materials in coordination with advancement and gift services colleagues, ensuring accurate documentation and timely donor acknowledgement.
• Engage volunteers and advisory board members, when appropriate, to support fundraising and donor relationships.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and participate in prospect tracking using the University of Washington’s donor database.
• Stay informed about fundraising priorities and work with campus leaders and advancement colleagues to support gifts for both immediate and long-term impact.

• Develop and lead fundraising strategies for assigned schools, units, and academic and student affairs programs, using best practices to meet established goals; provide strategic guidance to shape and advance philanthropic priorities.
• Create and implement an annual fundraising plan that outlines clear goals, strategies, and priorities, and track progress throughout the year.
• Design and carry out development programs and targeted fundraising initiatives that support sustained and increased philanthropic support.
• Regularly evaluate fundraising programs, assess progress toward goals, and share clear updates on outcomes and impact.
• Effectively communicate and advocate for UW Tacoma’s…