Program Manager, Fundraising Innovation

Job Description

The Annual Philanthropy team has an exciting opening for a Program Manager for Fundraising Innovation. This is a full-time permanent position.

About this Opportunity:

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.  

The Program Manager for Fundraising Innovation leads the implementation of new systems and strategies for annual and leadership philanthropy, including AI-enabled fundraising tools that help connect donors with the people and programs they care most about at the University of Washington. This role partners with colleagues across Advancement, including Advancement Operations, Information Management and fundraising teams, as well as external vendors, to launch and manage innovative fundraising programs. The Program Manager oversees vendor coordination, system integration and program performance, helping translate emerging technology into meaningful philanthropic impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Vendor & Technology Program Management (50%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external vendors and internal technology partners supporting fundraising tools and systems.

• Coordinate implementation activities, including project timelines, kickoffs, training and technical setup.

• Manage vendor performance by monitoring service expectations, deliverables and reporting and partnering with internal teams on updates or renewals.

• Identify, escalate and resolve technical or performance issues to ensure tools remain aligned with UW’s fundraising goals and systems.

Program Planning, Operations & Performance Management (25%)

• Partner with internal teams to support donor segmentation, CRM tracking, data flows and reporting.

• Monitor program performance and quality, identifying opportunities to improve processes, data accuracy and operational workflows.

• Analyze performance data and develop insights to inform program improvements and future growth.

• Contribute to annual and strategic planning efforts in collaboration with Advancement colleagues.

Internal Systems & Communications (20%)

• Monitor interactions from autonomous fundraising tools and elevate relevant donor conversations to appropriate gift officers across University Advancement.

• Create and deliver regular updates to stakeholders throughout planning and implementation phases.

• Summarize program results at the unit and University levels to help Advancement teams understand outcomes and impact.

• Design and maintain processes to track fundraising activity within Advancement’s CRM system.

• Identify opportunities to improve data quality, systems and workflows, supporting continuous improvement efforts.

Other Duties (5%)

Required Qualifications: 

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both 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.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years of experience in project or program management working with cross-functional teams to deliver new programs, systems, or technology.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working effectively in highly matrixed, complex organizations, navigating multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

• Strong judgment and confidence in making decisions in ambiguous environments, including knowing what to escalate and when.

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technologies, including AI‑enabled tools.

• Ability to analyze data, assess risk and opportunity and apply insights to improve programs.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.

• Experience managing vendor relationships and performance.

• Familiarity with fundraising, advancement operations, or similar mission‑driven programs.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid-work schedule with two days in the office and three days eligible for telework per week. 

• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$70,500.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$76,896.00 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.