Summary of Duties:

The Development Director Senior establishes the unit’s fundraising goals, develops methods to accomplish those goals, and plans and conducts public contact programs designed to promote the public’s understanding of the College of Education’s activities and the cultivation of donors. The Development Director Senior is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the College’s development efforts. This includes fundraising, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, annual giving, special events, and public relations. This position functions as a key member of the Washington State University Foundation development team and supervises administrative, professional, and support staff in a large complex organizational entity seeking to raise over two (2) million dollars annually. This position represents the University to internal and external constituents.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelors’s degree and seven (7) years of progressively responsible full-time professional fundraising or consultative sales experience within a complex organization, which includes at least two (2) years as a unit director or equivalent leadership experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
• Consultative sales are defined as the sale of real estate, industrial equipment, vehicles, custom services, or bulk commodities, which include long term relationships between salespeople and clients. Consultative sales positions are typically compensated on a commission basis and have the authority to negotiate the terms and conditions of individual sales with customers.

Additional Requirements: 

• Demonstrated success in proposal writing and submission, evidence of ability to plan and execute a fund drive (i.e. responsibility for a project from conception to realization), demonstrated success in face-to-face solicitations of gifts of $50,000 or more OR comparable experience. Comparable experience includes six (6) years of progressively responsible full-time sales, marketing, public relations, or advancement experience which has involved direct, face-to-face contact with clients, customers, prospective customers and members of the public, program oversight and management, clearly defined goals and objectives and a demonstrated track record of success may be substituted for the experience requirements. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
• Experience demonstrating strong interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, close, and steward major gifts.
• Understanding of proposal development and writing, fundraising principles and techniques; project management skills; and relevant event planning.
• Demonstrated success in proposal writing and submission.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license at time of hire.
• Evening and weekend work required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Proven experience in motivating and managing individuals and teams for maximum performance.
• Prior experience working with academic and administration leadership.
• Evidence of ability to plan and execute a fundraising project from conception to realization.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; mature personal interaction skills with prospects/donors, faculty, development officers, and administration
• Advanced degree.