Leadership Gift Officer

Job Description

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 mission of the Development team is to facilitate private resources to enhance and protect the University’s reputation and support equitable community building and service. 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 Annual Philanthropy team has two openings for a Leadership Gift Officer. These are full-time, permanent positions.

The Leadership Gift Officer leverages relationship-building, communication and fundraising skills to inspire philanthropic support for the University of Washington. As a member of the Leadership Annual Philanthropy team, this role supports a growing mid‑level giving program (annual gifts up to $99,999). The Leadership Gift Officer builds a portfolio of donor prospects, overseeing discovery, qualification, solicitation and the strategic transition of major gift prospects. This role will leverage scalable strategies and an integrated, multichannel approach, combining data‑driven insights with personalized donor engagement.

What You Will Do

Frontline Fundraising (75%)

• Manage and grow a portfolio of mid‑level donors and prospects, securing gifts in the range of $2,000–$99,999, including multiyear commitments.
• Conduct donor discovery, qualification and solicitation using an integrated, multichannel fundraising approach, complemented by occasional in‑person visits.
• Leverage fundraising metrics to assess results, refine strategies and adapt goals as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in fundraising systems, including contact reports, proposal updates, expense reports and donor record updates.

Relationship Management (15%)

• Build and sustain strong, trust‑based relationships with donors, volunteers and colleagues across University Advancement.
• Partner with frontline fundraisers across the University to coordinate solicitation and stewardship strategies for leadership gifts as well as transitioning donors who are ready to move into major gift portfolios.
• Align donor interests with University of Washington priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
• Remain informed about changes to information related to assigned prospects and ensure donor records are up to date.

Program Support (10%)

• Leverage scalable strategies and personalized engagement to expand donor participation.
• Support the growth of a dynamic mid‑level giving program, focusing on pipeline development.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures relating to the leadership gifts program, marketing materials for the leadership gift effort and leadership gift cultivation and stewardship activities and events.
• Undertake additional special projects as directed.

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 AND two years of experience in advancement, fundraising higher education/non-profit, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CRM systems or databases.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for correspondence, special reports, spreadsheets, databases, forms, etc.
• Knowledge of alumni relations/development/advancement principles.

What You Can Expect

• 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.
• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required on short or limited notice.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel and willingness to travel when necessary.
• Support for occasional events, including setup and tear down, as needed. 

#UWUAJOBS

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$75,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$82,008.00 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.