Director for Development, Burke Museum

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 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.   

The Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture connects the past, present and future through collections, exhibits and programs relating to the natural world, the people and cultures of Washington State and cutting-edge science. Our collections provide a spark for stories and ideas and connect people to each other and to their environment. Until 2019, they were hidden behind walls; inaccessible to the very people and communities they are intended to serve. 

The Burke Museum’s Development team is responsible for overseeing the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of the museum’s donors.  

The Burke Museum has an exciting opening for a Director of Development. This is a full-time permanent position. 

The Director for Development serves as a key member of the Burke Museum leadership team, providing strategic leadership for the museum's fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. Reporting jointly to the Executive Director of the Burke Museum and the Senior Director for Special Initiatives in College of Arts & Sciences Advancement, this role oversees major gifts, annual giving, membership, planned giving, fundraising events and campaign initiatives. The Director for Development partners across the museum and University to advance organizational goals, support fundraising and membership growth and strengthen engagement with donors, volunteers and the broader community. As the museum's lead fundraising strategist, this individual builds strong relationships with donors, board members, volunteers and community partners while leading a collaborative team and contributing to the museum's strategic priorities. 

What You Will Do 

Fundraising & Stewardship (40%)  

• Build and manage relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations and other supporters to secure philanthropic support for the museum. 

• Support the Executive Director's donor portfolio while providing guidance and oversight for development team portfolios. 

• Lead annual fundraising efforts, including major gifts, membership, unrestricted and restricted giving, fundraising events, campaign priorities and endowment growth. 

• Monitor fundraising performance, donor engagement and membership trends to inform strategy and planning. 

  Leadership and Team Management (35%)  

• Lead and develop the Burke Museum Development team, overseeing priorities, daily operations, staff development and fundraising activities. 

• Manage the Development team's budget, resource planning and relationships with external vendors and consultants. 

• Partner closely with the Director of Communications and other museum leaders to support coordinated engagement, fundraising and organizational priorities. 

• Serve as a member of the Burke Museum leadership team, working collaboratively across the museum and the University to advance shared goals. 

• Model and uphold the museum's commitment to equitable and inclusive practices. 

Burke Museum Association (BMA) (15%)  

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board leadership to recruit, engage and steward Board members. 

• Support Board fundraising efforts and help maximize Board member effectiveness as ambassadors and leadership volunteers. 

• Serve as a liaison to Board committees and support planning for Board and committee meetings, as well as the annual retreat. 

University of Washington Advancement (5%)  

• Partner with colleagues across UW Advancement and leverage university resources to support the Burke Museum's fundraising goals. 

Public Outreach (5%)  

• Serve as a visible advocate for the Burke Museum, promoting its mission, programs and impact within the community. 

Required Qualifications  

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department. 

A bachelor’s degree AND five years of experience in development/advancement, institutional or non-profit development with experience cultivating and soliciting major gifts.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual giving, campaigns, foundation and corporate relations, fundraising events and donor stewardship. 

• Proven track record securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts. 

• Experience in a museum, cultural institution, higher education, or similarly mission-driven organization. 

• Experience leading and developing teams, managing budgets and balancing multiple organizational priorities. 

• Experience partnering with active boards, volunteer leaders and committees to advance fundraising and organizational goals. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a variety of stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives, navigate ambiguity and build collaborative relationships across diverse groups. 

• Experience using donor management and fundraising systems to support strategy, reporting and constituent engagement. 

• Knowledge of higher education advancement and integrated fundraising models. 

Additional 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:  

• Your interest in the Director for Development role and the Burke Museum. 

• Relevant experience leading fundraising efforts, managing teams and budgets and working with boards, donors and other stakeholders. 

What You Can Expect 

• This is an on-site position based at the Burke Museum. 

• Able to work in an environment visible to the public with visual and audible distractions  

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

• Workload and times may vary, including occasional evenings or weekends. 

• Access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel independently to local and regional locations as needed.  

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

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Temporary or Regular?

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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 world. In 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 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

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.