Director for Philanthropy
University of WashingtonJob Description
UW Medicine Advancement has an outstanding opportunity for a Director for Philanthropy to join their team
At UW Medicine, we work to improve health for all people through excellence in clinical, research, and education and training programs. As the only comprehensive clinical, research and learning health system in the five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) region, UW Medicine provides the most up-to-date care for each individual patient, leads one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive medical research programs, and provides innovative learning programs for students, trainees, and practitioners in the health professions.
The passionate, 86-person team at UW Medicine Advancement works collaboratively to connect donors with meaningful opportunities to enhance patient care, expand educational opportunities and advance research at UW Medicine. This inspiring, challenging and rewarding work provides team members an opportunity to grow their careers, while making a difference in people’s lives, in our community and around the world. In the 2025 fiscal year, UW Medicine Advancement raised nearly $382 million in gifts and private grants (44 percent of the University of Washington’s total) from over 30,000 donors to support the mission of UW Medicine. You can find out more about UW Medicine Advancement’s priorities and office culture on our career website: https://give.uwmedicine.org/careers/
The Director for Philanthropy (Director) provides strategic support to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase gift support for several priority areas for UW Medicine Advancement, with a focus on securing major gifts across the UW Medicine enterprise, hospitals and clinics and in the WWAMI region. This role supports UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, UW Medicine systemwide clinical priorities (capital projects, emerging technologies, and initiatives that advance access, equity, innovation, and workforce strength, improving patient care, enhancing clinical capacity, and accelerating innovation across the region).
The role is highly collaborative, working across teams to amplify impact in clinical care, education, and research. The Director reports to the Senior Director for Healthcare Philanthropy. The Director also works with the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, the Chief Advancement Officer, academic and health system leaders, volunteers, and other Advancement staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospective donors for gifts in support of UW Medicine.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Fundraising Responsibilities - 85%
Develop a strategic major gifts plan for initiatives and priorities for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare priorities within the context of the overall UW Medicine Advancement plan.
Manage a major gift and private foundation portfolio with annual expectations of 75–125 substantive donor contacts, 7–20 major gift qualifications, and 8–15 major gift solicitations, resulting in $2–$4 million raised annually.
Work with hospital leaders and advancement colleagues to develop fundraising priorities and to implement programs, if necessary, to sustain major gift support.
Maintain an active pool of prospective major gift donors who will be solicited in the next 12-18 month period.
Identify new major gift prospective donors who are interested in the future of healthcare in partnership with UW Medicine’s Healthcare Leadership team, . Develop and implement a cultivation and solicitation strategy for each assigned major gift prospective donor.
Record donor activity. Prepare written proposals, informational materials, endowment agreements, and other materials needed to secure major gifts. Develop appropriate stewardship plans.
As appropriate, identify, recruit, train, and develop leadership roles for volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising activities. Staff volunteer fundraising partnerships and committees as assigned.
As needed, coordinate major gift fundraising activities with UW Medicine colleagues, and UW colleagues in Gift Planning, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Principal Gifts, Regional Gifts, etc.
Activities in Support of Direct Fundraising - 15%
Encourage department chairs and faculty to actively and productively participate in the fundraising process.
Work with UW and UW Medicine colleagues to develop special events, marketing materials, and donor relations activities to support major gift fundraising.
Seek appropriate training opportunities, including training necessary for proficiency in the use of gift planning techniques.
Prepare annual operating plan and progress reports as requested.
Complete annual performance self-assessment as key component of Annual Review.
Complete other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five or more years of progressively responsible experience in institutional advancement, with an emphasis on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts ($100k+).
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
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.
Proven ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for complex advancement programs, including creating, implementing, and managing initiatives and recruiting and supervising volunteers.
Demonstrated success in establishing, cultivating, and stewarding strong, trust-based relationships with donors and stakeholders, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities to build long-term partnerships.
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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
At least six years of major (individual and private foundation) and planned gift fundraising.
Experience with grateful patient fundraising.
Previous Advancement experience in a health care, higher education or research settings.
OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Performs work primarily in a shared cubicle environment with colleagues, with exposure to standard office noise levels and activity including calls, meetings, and in-person conversations.
Frequent local and regional travel, some national travel is required. Regular evening and weekend meetings and events.
The successful candidate will be expected to have regular, reliable transportation for local travel and be willing to travel when necessary.
Attitudes, Behaviors and Skills We Value at UW Medicine Advancement
• Placing team goals before individual goals
• Assuming the best of intentions from faculty and colleagues
• Embracing a spirit of continuous improvement
o Focus on the highest priorities and manage time accordingly
o Manage and improve programs independently and build ownership over time
o Anticipate needed next steps; think through problems
o Approach work strategically, keeping the big picture in mind
o Address problems proactively and present potential solutions for resolution
• Learning from each other
o Demonstrate the desire to learn new things while also meeting current position responsibilities
o Take the time to build fluency in ALL fundraising operations
o Be a proactive problem-solver; show resourcefulness in anticipating and addressing issues and concerns
• Demonstrating professionalism
o Transparency: Be honest and straightforward with colleagues and donors
o Attitude: Work with a positive and collaborative approach
o Humility: Share credit generously; take ownership of challenges (“be generous with credit and selfish with blame”)
o Dedication: Consistently follow through; keep your word
• Maintaining high emotional intelligence
o Build, maintain and recover relationships with internal and external constituents
o Partner and communicate well with supervisor and peers
o Hone self-awareness, including the ability to admit mistakes and knowing when to correct course
#UWUAJOBS
#UWMAJOBS
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$115,008.00 annualPay Range Maximum:
$132,000.00 annualOther 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 positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableAbout 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 dso@uw.edu.
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.