Director for Development, Global Affairs
The University of Washington's Global Affairs/UW Global seeks a Director of Development to serve as the principal advancement lead for global engagement and education initiatives. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Global Affairs and the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs, this full-time permanent position supports the university’s global engagement strategies and enhances the University’s reputation through philanthropic support.
About this Opportunity
UW Global connects faculty, students, and staff with global opportunities in teaching, research, and learning. The Director of Development will design and implement integrated development strategies, manage high-level donor and prospect relationships, and advance coordinated fundraising efforts that support student success, academic excellence, and institutional priorities across the University of Washington.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy supporting the university’s global engagement strategies, UW Global, and global education priorities, managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, including six-figure and transformational commitments.
Build and advance a robust pipeline by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors across individual, corporate, foundation, and public sectors, using research, analytics, and faculty and advancement partnerships.
Develop compelling cases for support and lead capital campaign and advisory efforts, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities and strengthening regional and national engagement networks.
Advocate for global affairs and education essential to student success and UW’s role as a global public institution, providing senior-level leadership for philanthropic strategy.
Strategically cultivate and deepen relationships with local and global civic and corporate positioning UW as a leader in global engagement and aligning shared interests with philanthropic and partnership opportunities.
Leadership, Planning & Operations
Lead annual fundraising planning, including goal setting, forecasting, and performance evaluation, while maintaining accurate reporting and compliance.
Inform long-term philanthropic strategy and institutional planning, aligning fundraising efforts with UW Global priorities and broader advancement goals.
Oversee annual philanthropic initiatives, ensuring alignment with fundraising strategy and contributing to communications and marketing efforts that elevate impact.
Cross-Unit Leadership & Partnership
Build and maintain strong connections across academic units, administrative partners, and advancement teams, aligning fundraising efforts across campus.
Form strategic internal partnerships (e.g., CIRCLE, Uplift UW, International Student Services) to support a coordinated and cohesive global education funding strategy.
Donor, Alumni & External Engagement
Design and implement long-term donor and alumni engagement strategies, translating complex global initiatives into clear, compelling narratives.
Create meaningful opportunities for donor connection and activate alumni as advocates, mentors, and philanthropic partners, ensuring strong stewardship and recognition practices.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of experience in development.
Proven success securing major and principal gifts, managing complex donor portfolios, and a strong understanding of development and stewardship principles.
Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, judgement, and excellent communication skills.
Experience with global affairs, global education, or international programs.
Experience in cross-cultural contexts and within large, complex organizations such as academic institutions.
Demonstrated commitment to student access, equity, and inclusion.
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 front-line fundraising position with emphasis on cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
Include your interest in the role, UW and the Office of Global Affairs.