Job Title
Director of Development
Organization Name
Western Washington University
Organization Website
https://hr.wwu.edu/careers?job=499148
Organization Email
amber.asbjornsen@wwu.edu
Organization Type
Social Services
If ‘Other’ please specify
Education
How to Apply? Website or Email
Website
Date Posted
December 7, 2021
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Job Description
Serving as the primary development officer, this position is charged with creating and implementing a comprehensive development program to engage and solicit alumni, parents, friends, community members, business, and civic leaders to achieve the development goals for Western and make a big impact on the lives of students. The Director of Development is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more. 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 contribute to our mission of enhancing, increasing, and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment.
This is a full-time position reporting to the Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts, in University Advancement. Annual success metrics are determined from both the activities associated with fundraising and the actual donation results. The 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.
Job Duties
Position Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising (70%)
- Focus on strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating prospects and then soliciting major gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Travel regionally and nationally to connect personally with constituents.
- Complete at least 250 substantial contacts and 15-24 major gift solicitations per year.
- Prepare written proposals, background 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.
- Design and implement a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for funding priorities established by the University and Academic Partners.
- Develop effective fundraising strategies in coordination and collaboration with the Senior Director of Development and members of the University Advancement team.
Relationship Development and Prospect Management (20%)
- In collaboration with the Director of Prospect Research, build, develop, and manage a portfolio of 100-125 major and principal gift prospects.
- Execute timely contact reports. Consistently record and track all activity using the University’s prospect management and tracking system. Prioritize reporting activities and recording asks in the database.
- Follow up with donors and prospects in a timely manner.
- Cultivate relationships with diverse communities and individuals that have not otherwise been approached.
- Steward donors by consistently and thoughtfully reporting on impact in creative and meaningful ways.
Leadership, Philanthropic Strategy, and Planning (10%)
- Collaborate with staff who provide support to college and department development efforts.
- Collaborate with other unit-based gift officers, the Corporate Relations and Foundations team and Director of Planned Giving to enrich the fundraising team, build cross-unit partnerships, and bring in multi-disciplinary gifts.
- Take time to continue to learn the fundraising profession, benchmark, and make professional connections.
- Utilize current engagement opportunities presented by the Alumni Engagement team, and in collaboration, create new engagement opportunities for constituents.
- Participate in and collaborate with the Alumni Association, Foundation, and unit -based Advancement Boards.
Experience/Knowledge/Skills
- Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 years of experience in frontline fundraising or related field.
- Experience working with or for a non-profit
- 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 commitment to fostering and promoting an environment of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (for information, please see Western’s page on Advancing Inclusion and Diversity).
- Demonstrated proficiency in using technology – e.g., Microsoft Office suite; proficiency with Teams, Zoom, or similar video conferencing platform also preferred.
- Ability to travel (including a valid driver’s license) at least once a week within Washington State, and outside the state for overnight travel. Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
- Preferred
- Experience working on a campus in the higher education environment
- Experience with a Customer Relationship Management System (CRM)
- Proven success in face-to-face asks and the closing of gifts valued at $25,000 and above
- Experience working on a large-scale, organized fundraising campaign
Salary Range
$73,478 – $85,724 commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits packageSupplemental Information
https://hr.wwu.edu/careers?job=499148