Director of Philanthropy

Job Description

UW Medicine Advancement is a passionate, 95-person team that works collaboratively to connect donors with meaningful opportunities that enhance patient care, expand educational opportunities, and advance research across UW Medicine. In fiscal year 2025, UW Medicine Advancement raised nearly $382 million in gifts and private grants from more than 30,000 donors in support of this mission. Learn more about UW Medicine Advancement at https://give.uwmedicine.org/careers/.

UW Medicine Advancement has an exciting opening for a Director for Philanthropy. This is a full-time permanent position.

Reporting to the Senior Director for Philanthropy, the Director for Philanthropy develops and implements comprehensive strategies to secure philanthropic support for research, clinical, and education initiatives at UW Medicine’s Institute for Protein Design and other emerging priorities as assigned.

This highly collaborative role partners with advancement colleagues, academic leaders, faculty, volunteers, and donors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects. The Director will build trusted relationships across a complex, matrixed environment and translate donor interests into meaningful philanthropic impact.

What You Will Do

Direct Fundraising Responsibilities – 85%

• Develop and implement a strategic major gifts plan in partnership with the Senior Director for Philanthropy for the UW Medicine’s Institute for Protein Design, as well as other emerging priorities as assigned.
• Manage a major gift and private foundation portfolio with annual expectations of 75–125 substantive donor contacts, 5–15 major gift qualifications, and 5-10 major gift solicitations, resulting in $375K–$5 million raised annually.
• Partner with the Senior Director for Philanthropy, Associate Vice President for Development, department leaders, and advancement colleagues to define fundraising priorities and implement strategies to sustain major gift support.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects—including faculty referrals and grateful patients—by developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies and preparing proposals, endowment agreements, gift illustrations, and related materials.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers in leadership roles that advance major gift fundraising, when appropriate. Staff volunteer fundraising partnerships and committees as assigned.
• Coordinate major gift fundraising activities with UW Medicine Advancement colleagues and University Advancement partners, including Gift Planning, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Principal Gifts, and Regional Gifts. Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration in an environment with shared donors and overlapping portfolios.

Strategy, Partnerships and Program Development – 15%

• Discern and inform strategy development promoting philanthropic priorities.
• Assist Senior Director with establishment of annual goals, objectives for areas of fundraising responsibilities.  Contribute to the development/refinement of policies and procedures for the school or college’s advancement program as assigned. Encourage and support department chairs and faculty in active participation in fundraising efforts, recognizing competing responsibilities in research, education, and clinical care.
• Collaborate effectively with diverse constituencies, including faculty, staff, patients, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Partner with UW Medicine Advancement colleagues to develop special events, marketing materials, pipeline, and donor relations activities that support major gift fundraising.
• Pursue appropriate professional development, including training related to major and planned gift strategies.
• Prepare annual operating plans and progress reports as requested.
• Complete annual performance self-assessment as part of the annual review process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in institutional advancement, with an emphasis on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts.

Minimum Qualifications

• UW Medicine values professionalism. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with UW Medicine Policy on Professional Conduct. An assessment of professionalism will be a factor considered in performance reviews, salary adjustments and promotion.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic advancement plans for complex programs, including designing, implementing, and managing initiatives that achieve measurable fundraising results aligned with organizational priorities.
• Proven experience building, cultivating, and stewarding strong relationships with donors and volunteers, aligning their interests with institutional goals to foster long-term engagement and philanthropic partnership.
• Self-directed and collaborative leader who identifies opportunities, generates innovative ideas, and drives results while working effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate openly, directly, and professionally to foster dialogue and resolve differences effectively.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to navigate ambiguity and perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), with the willingness and ability to learn the UW donor CRM and other proprietary systems.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidence and protect confidential information; acts in a selfless manner and models ethical values of the UW.
• Alignment with UW’s Executive Order 81 Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct which establishes the University’s standards for preventing and responding to such conduct, including compliance with applicable federal and state laws. The University is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of its community can participate fully in University programs and activities free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least six years of major and planned gift fundraising experience.
• Advancement experience in a healthcare, higher education, or research setting.

What You Can Expect

• This position is based in Seattle, Washington at UW Medicine’s South Lake Union campus.
• Hybrid-work schedule with 2 days in the office and 3 days eligible for telework per week.
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel and willingness to travel when necessary.  Ability to travel and attend events, meetings and programs scheduled on evenings and weekends or off-campus.  Some national travel required.

Additional Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department. 

Please address the following in your cover letter: 

• Explain how your experience and qualifications align with a Director for Philanthropy position with an emphasis on Direct Fundraising Responsibilities and Strategy, Partnerships and Program Development.
• Include your interest in the role and working in healthcare philanthropy at UW Medicine Advancement. 

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$115,008.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$132,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.