Director For Donor Engagement & Strategy

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

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.

This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

The Advancement Strategy and Campaigns team has an exciting opening for a Director for Donor Engagement and Strategy. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Director for Donor Engagement and Strategy (DDES) is a critical role on the Advancement Strategy and Campaigns team, reporting to the Senior Director for Foundation Board Engagement. The DDES is responsible for strategizing and leading the execution of major donor and prospect events, ensuring meaningful experiences that support and elevate the University's impact. The DDES will work collaboratively across a large, complex, decentralized advancement program with specific focus on programming related to the Foundation Board and its stakeholders' initiatives and priorities. This role is a chief strategist, convener, communicator and facilitator, who builds meaningful relationships across the University and greater community.

What You Will Do:

Event Operations & Communications (60%)

Develop and implement a strategic donor and prospect engagement program and event plan, including cultivation opportunities.

• Manage and execute major gifts cultivation events in tandem with Development leadership, including Regional and International Advancement.

• Independently own, design and execute major donor cultivation events, including dinners and campus program showcases.

• Strategize innovative ways to engage and connect donors to the institution.

• Develop communications and programming focused on the UW's top priorities, including University Initiatives and campaigns.

• Facilitate all logistics for Advancement engagement events, including Husky football games and tailgates

• Research and design collateral, briefings and speaking points for UA colleagues and volunteer presenters/hosts.

• Develop informative and timely communications to donors and prospects to ensure they are aware of upcoming events and engagement opportunities.

• Ensure strong donor and prospect management data processes are in place and in alignment with overall UA and Foundation needs.

• Serve as a concierge for event invitees, personally facilitating optimal donor experiences.

Volunteer Engagement and Staffing (25%)

• Staff and steward the UW Foundation Board's Development Committee in close partnership with the VP for Development and the Sr. Director for Foundation Board Engagement.

• As staff lead for the UW Foundation Board Development Committee, collaborate, design and manage a robust menu of high-level engagement opportunities such as dinners, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.

• Drive logistics and planning of committee meetings.

• Independently respond to committee member questions and requests for information while exercising sound judgment at all times.

Advancement Partnerships (10%)

• Collaborate across units and teams to create an environment supportive of major donor engagement events and activities that advance the University's priorities.

• In partnership with the Prospect Development team and unit fundraisers, identify potential event invitees and develop strategies for personalized turnout communications.

• Build, establish and move forward a donor prospect pipeline engagement portfolio; regularly access and analyze donor engagement functions and processes.

• Establish reporting and data analytics practices and procedures to support tracking of engagement activity and philanthropy data.

• Actively partner with individuals and offices throughout the institution to create optimal donor experiences.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree AND four to five years of experience in high-level events, or a combination of high-level events experience and transferable skills.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

• Experience planning and executing high-level events and simultaneous, complex projects with multiple stakeholders and rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.

• Knowledge of alumni relations, development and/or advancement.

• Demonstrated experience building authentic relationships with and supporting donors and volunteers in not-for-profit settings.

• Strong written communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing briefings and speaking points.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and event ownership.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

What You Can Expect:

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

• Some local and domestic travel is required.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your "My Jobs" page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

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