Western Washington University is seeking dynamic and strategic individuals to join their Major Gifts Team in Bellingham, WA, as they prepare for an exciting comprehensive campaign. The University is currently recruiting for two pivotal roles: Senior Director of Development and Director of Corporate Relations. These positions offer the opportunity to drive philanthropic support and create innovative pathways for growth. In these roles, you will collaborate with passionate deans and faculty, enhance donor pools, and strengthen stewardship programs. Support first-generation students and be a part of their vibrant, collaborative advancement division. This is your chance to join a thriving team and leave a legacy that will inspire for generations to come. Don’t miss out—seize the opportunity to shape the future with Western!

Another Source’s client, Western Washington University (WWU), is recruiting a Senior Director Development to join their University Advancement team in Bellingham, WA.  

Here’s a little about Western Washington Universities Foundation and the position they are recruiting for:  

The Foundation was established in 1966 as a vehicle to receive and encourage private giving to WWU. In the past year, donors have provided $24 million to the University in the form of annual gifts, endowed gifts, estate gifts, and gifts in kind like real estate, equipment, and works of art. Gifts fund student scholarships, as well as provide support for programs, faculty, clubs, and teams. 

In 2023, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni was formed when the Foundation merged with the WWU Alumni Association. The Foundation for WWU & Alumni serves all alumni, donors and members of the WWU community from a single, streamlined organization. 

The Foundation is led by a group of dedicated board members who grow awareness of the importance of private support to public institutions. These alumni, parents, and community leaders bring their experiences in business, education, science, and non-profits, and share the common mission of engaging new friends for Western while also stewarding the more than $140 million in assets under the Foundation’s management. 

Learn more about Western Washington University here: https://foundation.wwu.edu/about  

About the Role: 

The Senior Director of Development manages a team of fundraisers at the Director and Associate Director Level, and Development Assistant with a goal of raising money for all colleges and programs across the university. They are responsible for mentoring their team members and ensuring the team achieves its annual fundraising goal. They are the main liaison between Deans and Academic Partners and report to the Associate Vice President for University Advancement. The Senior Director is a strategic partner to all academic and development professionals in securing philanthropic gifts, they represent University Advancement as leaders and partner with colleagues in University Advancement such as those in Prospect Research, Advancement Services, Planned Giving and Alumni Engagement.  

As a senior development officer, this position is charged with creating and implementing a comprehensive development program for their team, to engage and solicit alumni, parents, friends, community members, business, and civic leaders to achieve the fundraising goals for Western. The Senior Director of Development is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more, with a specific focus on principal gift prospects starting at the $250,000 level. Furthering Western’s mission requires strategy, creativity, and innovation, which are cultivated by an inclusive, diverse environment that respects and appreciates differences. Western is seeking professionals for these positions who will also contribute to our mission of enhancing, increasing, and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment.  

This is a full-time position reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement. Annual success metrics are determined from both the activities associated with fundraising and the actual fundraising results of the team. The Senior Director of Development is responsible for the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Western donors. In this ever-changing profession, multiple channels are utilized to connect with and cultivate donors, including face-to-face, phone and video, with a key success metric focused on substantial contacts. This position requires travel in and out of state with a heavy focus on the Puget Sound area.  

How you will be spending your time:  

40% - Leadership, Philanthropic Strategy, and Planning:  

• Responsible for the design and implementation of a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for funding priorities established by the University and Academic Partners.   
• Manages team of fundraisers at the Director and Associate Director Level, and Development Assistant. 
• Responsible for coaching, mentoring, and developing team members.   
• Responsible for annual planning and ensuring the team achieves its annual fundraising goals and metrics.   
• Serves as primary liaison between Deans and academic partners; works with the Deans, department chairs and Institute directors to shape fundraising priorities and campaigns.   
• Serves as a coach and strategic partner to all academic partners and development professionals in securing philanthropic gifts and enhancing donor relationships.   
• Ensures work is consistent with UA policies and procedures.   

40% - Fundraising: 

• Focus on strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting prospects for gifts with a focus on principal gift prospects at the $250,000 level.   
• Travel regionally and nationally to connect personally with constituents.   
• Complete at least 60-90 substantial contacts and 15-20 major gift solicitations per year.   
• Prepare written proposals, background reports, meeting briefs, impact reports and other development materials for use during donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.   
• One Team, Our Team. Work collaboratively with members of the Annual Giving, Corporations and Foundation Relations, Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, Communications, and Special Events teams in order to further the fundraising goals for the University.   
• Develop effective fundraising strategies in coordination and collaboration with the Associate Vice President of Development and members of the University Advancement team.   
• Works directly with Prospect Research Department to manage portfolios for the members of their team and helps to identify new donors as well as establish strategies for donors who should be moved along the donor engagement process   
• Works with the Donor Relations Team to ensure donors are appropriately recognized and stewarded. Follow up with donors and prospects in a timely manner. Steward donors by consistently and thoughtfully reporting on impact in creative and meaningful ways.   
• Cultivate relationships with diverse communities and individuals that have not otherwise been approached.   

20% - Prospect Management:  

• In collaboration with the Director of Prospect Research, build, develop, and manage a portfolio of 50-100 major and principal gift prospects for themselves and their team.   
• Utilizing the Advancement CRM, record and track all donor activity and analyze donor information for increased donor participation; review team performance metrics and provide coaching and timely feedback on prospect management.   
• Prioritize reporting activities and recording asks in the database and ensure the same for their direct reports. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree  
• At least 5 years of experience in successful frontline fundraising for a university or nonprofit organization. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and 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 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 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 

What’s in it for you: 

Salary: Hiring range for position is $100,443- 115,510 per year. Through longevity position tops out at $130,576 per year.  

Western Washington University offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff, including: 

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and mental health resources. 
• Financial Benefits: Retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and employee discounts. 
• Campus Amenities: Library access, cultural and recreational activities, and diverse dining options. 
• Community and Environment: A beautiful, inclusive campus in Bellingham, WA, with a strong commitment to sustainability and diversity. 

Learn more about the benefits here: Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination: 

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action empl

oyer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.    

See WWU’s Policy on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class (Interim). Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu   

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).   

Please also see WWU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act.   

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check, including a sexual misconduct background check, will be conducted on all new hires and rehires.   

All employees must comply with Western Washington University Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire.  Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.   

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis, to maximize the recruiting process.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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