As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Digital Gift Officer leverages relationship-building skills with a genuine desire to help people connect their passions with their philanthropy at the University of Washington. This position will be part of a team of fundraisers committed to building a robust digital gift program that aligns with UAs efforts to develop pathways to profound engagement at scale. As part of a pioneering mid-level giving program, the DGO will seek to use scalable digital approaches that rely on an integrated multi-channel approach and radical personalization. A collaborative spirit, intellectual curiosity, and appreciation of data will help drive success when hitting fundraising goals. The Digital Gift Officer helps the Office of Annual Philanthropy in its ongoing mission of engaging relationships with alumni and the community so as to have a positive impact on the world via the UW. The Digital Gift Officer will work specifically with mid- level prospects and donors ($2,000 – $25,000) to help build a pipeline of major and planned gift prospects.

The Digital Gift Officer builds collaborative, trusting relationships with prospects, donors, and volunteers. This position relies on strong partnerships with colleagues across University Advancement to build strategic programming and processes for this effort. This position will serve in a liaison role to unit MGOs across the University to optimize efforts in serving our donors who are ready to move into major gift levels.

Fundraising in this role focuses on alumni and the community of the UW. Diversity, equity and inclusion will also be a key focus in how we continue to learn and evolve in the DEI space as it relates to prospecting, engaging and soliciting current and potential donors.

The Digital Gift Officer reports to the Associate Director of Digital Gifts, Annual Philanthropy.

Responsibilities: 

Frontline Fundraising

• Work with mid-level donors and prospects, securing gifts in the $2,000 – $25,000 range, especially through multi-year commitments.
• Contact donors in pools and nurture relationship via an integrated, multi-channel approach with occasional in person visits.
• Comprehend, analyze and evolve program goals and direction by applying critical thinking to the results and metrics of campaigns/appeals/efforts.
• Work with other unit staff, especially unit-based frontline fundraisers and PMRA, to plan strategies for cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors for leadership level annual gifts as well as transitioning Mid-Level Annual Philanthropy donors who are ready to move into major gift pools/portfolios.
• Steward mid-level donors through the President’s Circle via personal outreach and participating in TPC recognition events throughout the year.
• Complete all assigned reporting in a timely manner, including: contact reports, proposal updates, expense reports, etc.
• Remain informed about any changes to information related to assigned prospects and ensure donor records are up to date.

Relationship Management

• Collaborate with unit MGO’s on a moves management process for donors within the respective units
• As assigned, work with volunteers on special initiatives
• Other duties as assigned
• Undertake additional special projects as directed.

Key Competencies: 

• Effective communications: Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others and prioritizes an accessible and transparent style in all forms of communication, i.e., verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.
• Interpersonal Awareness: Builds and maintains positive and productive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results.
• Professional Credibility: Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, obligations, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization.
• Critical Thinking: Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity. Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
• Ethics and Trust: Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures. Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs.
• Valuing Diversity & Inclusiveness: Respects, values and contributes to the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.
• Donor Focused: Establishes, cultivates and stewards strong relationships with donors and friends.
• Results Oriented: Acts decisively to achieve results.
• Planning & Implementing: Develops fundraising strategies and plans that integrate into the organization’s mission, priorities and goals.
• Conflict Resolution: Works to resolve conflicts and differences through dialog and open communication in a timely manner. Sees every difference as an opportunity for growth and change.

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in advancement, annual giving, fundraising, or related field. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Requirements: 

•  Comfortable and willing to make cold calls
• Ability to understand the objectives of annual giving and the overall University fundraising priorities
• Demonstrated written/oral communication and interpersonal skills to include tact, diplomacy, and discretion;
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, negotiate and be organized;
• Flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities and demands;
• Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Occasional workweek travel as well as evening and weekend work will occur.
• Desired Qualifications
• Familiarity with contemporary issues and methods of fundraising and philanthropy; Demonstrated success in higher education and/or non-profit fundraising;
• Familiarity with digital fundraising or marketing to create personalized communication that help move a donor’s relationship forward

Desired: 

•  Familiarity with contemporary issues and methods of fundraising and philanthropy; Demonstrated success in higher education and/or non-profit fundraising;
• Alumni/donor database or Customer Relations Management system acumen;
• Knowledge of University of Washington
• Knowledge of alumni relations/development/advancement principles.

Working Conditions: 

•  Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.
• Must have regular and reliable transportation for local travel and willing to travel when necessary.
• Occasional local travel expected.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.