Associate Director for Planned Giving, Marketing and Stewardship

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.

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 mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support. 

This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

The Planned Giving team has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for Planned Giving, Marketing and Stewardship. This is a full-time, permanent position.  

The Associate Director for Planned Giving Marketing and Stewardship will lead the development and execution of programs and projects that aim to increase awareness and appreciation of planned gifts as a means of private support for the University of Washington. The Associate Director will develop collateral that educates key audiences in our community about planned giving opportunities at the University. Given the integrated structure of University Advancement, the Associate Director will work in collaboration with marketing and stewardship colleagues throughout University Advancement. The Associate Director works under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Planned Giving.

What You Will Do:

Strategic Planning, Advising and Communications Management (60%)

•Consult with the AVP for Planned Giving and University Marketing and Communications colleagues to develop and deliver engaging materials that encourage philanthropic support and provide information about planned giving vehicles offered by the University. 

•Develop and execute short- and long-term multi-channel marketing strategies to promote planned giving for the University, encompassing project management, copywriting, website editing and graphic design.

•Manage logistics of mailings and events, including securing approvals on strategy assets; submitting data requests and segmenting based on audience; tracking appeal metrics; and leading post-appeal report-out meetings to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future strategies. 

•Provide strategic consultation to colleges and units across the University to align planned giving efforts with central objectives and University-wide initiatives, optimizing private support.

•Analyze the results of identified marketing and stewardship efforts by tracking marketing vendor's dashboard. Develop reports from results to inform leadership about critical metrics.

•Develop a stewardship plan to promote engagement with the Henry Suzzallo Legacy Society, which recognizes and thanks those who support the University through their estate plans.

•Devise and monitor testing programs to optimize marketing and stewardship initiatives.

Content Production, Writing, Editing, Event Support and Media/Public Relations (40%)

•Manage the implementation of and provide consultation on Planned Giving’s electronic and digital communications in partnership with marketing vendors and the Annual Philanthropy and University Marketing and Communications teams.

•Build emails to send to various UW constituencies using html e-marketing software.

•Oversee Planned Giving's online presence, including websites and social media.

•Develop planned giving content inclusive of diverse communities that emphasize the University’s DEIB initiatives.  

•Plan, develop, write and produce communications in consultation with a professional external marketing firm to include pieces about planned giving vehicles, donor stories, e-newsletters, invitations, promotional pieces, social media and internal communications. 

•Lead event planning, marketing and execution for virtual webinars.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, English or related field AND four years of experience in marketing and communications or related field.

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 developing targeted messaging and communications for diverse audiences.

•Proven success in managing all major forms of marketing communications, including, but not limited to, advertising, social media, web, email, direct mail, event communications, and informational collateral, along with the ability to analyze and report on outcomes.

•Ability to analyze and synthesize large and complex amounts of information, identifying patterns, formulating logical and objective conclusions, and relaying accurate conclusions to the Planned Giving team to inform future strategies.

•Capacity to work professionally and collaboratively with many constituencies (e.g., staff, faculty, leadership, alumni, friends/donors, students/parents, volunteers and vendors).

•Demonstrated strong computer and video software knowledge, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, content management systems such as Word Press, and experience working with e-mail marketing platforms.

•Experience in advancement/fundraising communications within higher education or non-profit organizations.

•Proven strength in technical writing.

•Understanding of estate and planned giving concepts and marketing strategies.

•Experience in marketing communications using various media.

•Understanding of graphic design, web design and/or video recording and editing experience.

•Knowledge of and comfort with event registration and email marketing software.

What You Can Expect:

•References and two writing samples will be requested from finalists.

•Cubicle/Shared 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.

Application Process: 

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

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.

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