Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations

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 2026, UW Medicine Advancement raised nearly $488 million in gifts and private grants (55% of UW’s total) from 31,000 donors in support of this mission. Learn more about UW Medicine Advancement at https://give.uwmedicine.org/careers/.

UW Medicine has an exciting opening for a Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations develops and executes fundraising strategies to secure philanthropic support from corporations, private foundations, and other institutional funders for UW Medicine’s research, clinical, education, and strategic priorities, including major institutes and initiatives such as the Institute for Protein Design and the Brotman Baty Institute. The Director manages a portfolio of primarily corporate and foundation prospects, with select individual major gift prospects, and works collaboratively with faculty, academic and administrative leaders, and Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward funders. Key responsibilities include developing annual fundraising plans, advancing institutional funding strategies, and managing competitive grant proposals and other funding requests.

What You Will Do

Direct Fundraising Responsibilities—80%

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and foundation prospects, partnering with Advancement and UW Medicine colleagues to build and manage a portfolio of prospects with giving capacity of $100,000 or more.
• Manage a major gift and private foundation portfolio with progressive annual expectations of 50–100 substantive donor contacts, 5–12 major gift qualifications, and 5–10 major gift solicitations, resulting in $1.5–$3.5 million raised annually.
• Build and steward philanthropic relationships through meetings, site visits, and other engagement opportunities connecting corporate and foundation leaders with UW Medicine faculty, programs, and strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, grant requests, stewardship materials, and other donor communications in collaboration with faculty, administrative leaders, Advancement colleagues, and Communications.
• Coordinate fundraising strategies across UW Medicine and University Advancement, including Gift Planning, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Principal Gifts, and Regional Gifts, to maximize donor engagement and philanthropic opportunities.
• Represent UW Medicine in donor and prospect meetings and through travel as appropriate, including presenting funding opportunities and preparing briefing and travel materials for Advancement and academic leaders.
• Maintain accurate and timely prospect, proposal, and fundraising activity in the University’s prospect management system.

Activities in Support of Direct Fundraising—20%

• Contribute to Corporate and Foundation Relations policies, procedures, marketing materials, and donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty, staff, and volunteers on corporate and foundation fundraising strategies and relevant University policies, while pursuing ongoing professional development.
• Develop annual work plans and progress reports and evaluate progress toward established fundraising and performance goals.
• Lead or participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Senior Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations, and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree in any field and five or more years of progressively responsible experience in institutional advancement, including experience in corporate and foundation relations or corporate social responsibility.

Additional Qualifications

• Preferred candidates will possess demonstrated skill in grant writing; developing marketing strategies, plans, collateral and proposals for advancement programs; experience working with volunteers; and experience with organizational prospect research.
• Preferred candidates will possess experience with developing and securing private gifts or grants ($1 million+) and demonstrated experience creating and leading complex, collaborative prospect strategies and relationships.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• Advancement experience in health care, higher education or research settings.
• Prior experience in corporate and foundation relations.
• Demonstrated track record overseeing management of volunteer committees or community boards.

What You Can Expect

• Hybrid-work schedule with 2 days in the office and 3 days eligible for telework per week. The primary onsite work location is UW Medicine offices in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle. 
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Workload and times may vary, including occasional evenings or weekends.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel and ability to travel and attend events, meetings and programs scheduled on evenings and weekends or off-campus.

• Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with the UW Medicine Policy on Professional Conduct. An assessment of professionalism will be a factor considered in performance reviews, salary adjustments and promotion.
• 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.

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$120,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$133,008.00 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.