Director of Development - Western Washington University - Another Source

Western Washington University (WWU) is seeking a driven Director of Development to join their University Advancement team in Bellingham, WA. The incumbent will spearhead a comprehensive development program, cultivating relationships with alumni, parents, business leaders, and community members to drive impactful fundraising while playing a key role in supporting student scholarships, and university programs, and enhancing the institution’s overall impact. The Foundation’s recent achievements include over $24 million in annual donations and the stewardship of more than $140 million in assets, positioning this role at the forefront of WWU’s future success. With a new focus, energy, and growing aspirations, this is an exciting time to be at WWU.

Join WWU on this transformative journey—submit your resume today!

Another Source’s client, Western Washington University (WWU), is recruiting a Director ofDevelopmentto 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: 

Serving as a lead 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 fundraising goals for Western. 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. 

How you will be spending your time: 

70% Fundraising: 

• 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 70-125 substantial contacts and 18-24 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.   

• 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.  

20% Prospect Management: 

• In collaboration with the Director of Prospect Research, build, develop, and manage a portfolio of 100-150 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. 

10% Leadership, Philanthropic Strategy, and Planning:  

• 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. 

Required Qualifications: 

• 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. 

• Demonstratedproficiency in using technology – Microsoft Office suite, Teams and Zoom. 

• 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 Qualifications: 

• 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 

What’s in it for you: 

Salary: Hiring range for position is $86,766 - $99,782/year.  Through longevity this position tops out at $112,796/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 employer 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. 

#AS1