Associate Director for Philanthropic Communications

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 missionwith the goal of making the UW the worlds greatest public university as measured by positive impactguides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations we advance the UWs impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride advocacy and philanthropic support.

Advancement Strategy and Campaigns has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for Philanthropic is a full-time permanent position.

The Associate Director for Philanthropic Communications develops high-impact philanthropic content that advances the University of Washingtons most important fundraising priorities. Working closely with colleagues across the University this role creates persuasive campaign and case materials that inspire transformational giving and strengthen engagement with the UW.

As a member of the Advancement Strategy and Campaigns team this role offers the opportunity to work on institution-wide philanthropic priorities in partnership with academic and Advancement leaders. Working closely with University Marketing & Communications the Associate Director is part of a network of skilled communicators who ensure philanthropic communications are strategic aligned and consistent with the Universitys brand.

What You Will Do:

Writing and Content Development

• Research write and edit persuasive philanthropic content including campaign cases whitepapers and donor proposals for philanthropic gifts.

• Develop and refine case materials for University-wide priorities as well as campus college school and program fundraising efforts. Update and adapt existing materials as needed to reflect evolving priorities strategy and campaign context.

• Translate complex academic and institutional priorities into clear compelling narratives for philanthropic audiences. Develop templates boilerplate language and guidance to support consistent messaging and ensure all content aligns with UW brand standards and best practices.

• Collaborate with design partners on widely distributed materials and independently produce routine collateral using on-brand tools and templates.

• Analysis of communication strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of messaging and to anticipate and plan for long-term philanthropic communication needs.

Project Management and Collaboration

• Manage multiple writing projects simultaneously from concept through review approval and final delivery.

• Coordinate stakeholder input editorial review and approvals while keeping projects on track and aligned with timelines.

• Partner with internal teams to ensure consistency and coordination across philanthropic communications efforts.

• Proactively identify and address scope timeline or alignment challenges in complex matrixed environments.

• Use project management and file-sharing tools to organize work and maintain transparency with partners.

Facilitation and Visioning

• Partner with the Senior Director to plan and support structured conversations interviews and workshops with faculty academic leaders and Advancement partners focused on philanthropic priorities.

• Prepare background materials guiding questions and discussion frameworks that help leaders clarify vision impact and fundraising potential.

• Support leaders in refining ideas and language through follow-up synthesis draft development and iterative feedback.

• Integrate input from multiple stakeholders into cohesive strategically aligned philanthropic materials while maintaining fidelity to institutional priorities.

Other Duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelors degree and four years of related experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

• Experience creating compelling communications that inspire philanthropic engagement.

• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders across levels of seniority disciplines and roles. Comfort navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders including synthesizing and reconciling conflicting input.

• Strong organizational skills attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word PowerPoint Outlook Teams SharePoint).

• Experience using project management and file management tools (e.g. Asana SharePoint; others a plus).

• Experience in higher education and/or institutional advancement.

• Experience working in organizations with shared or matrixed reporting structures and strong crossteam partnership.

What You Can Expect:

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.

• Must have regular and reliable transportation for local travel and willing to travel when necessary.

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours and to flex in-office days as necessary on short or limited notice.

• Hybrid role with up to 2 days remote.

Recruiting Instruction:

Please submit a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the position including your interest in the role and directly relevant experience. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

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Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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 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 or .

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.