Senior Director of Development

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: April 27, 2026. Applications received by the screening date April 13, 2026, will receive first consideration. If an adequate number of qualified applications are received before April 27, 2026, the posting may close to new applications early.

Business Title: Senior Director of Development | College of Arts & SciencesEmployee Type:

The Opportunity:

Washington State University College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) invites applications for a Senior Director of Development. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing and administering the College of Arts and Sciences’ advancement efforts to support the unit’s annual fundraising operation, while managing a larger development team. As the Senior Director of Development you will have a personal fundraising responsibility of $2,500,000 or more. You will work collaboratively with the Washington State University Foundation development team in support of College of Arts & Sciences and the university's overall strategic development goals. The successful candidate will begin as either a Senior Director of Development 3 or Senior Director of Development 2 depending on their level of experience.

Responsibilities include developing strategies to accomplish fundraising goals, leading and directing a development team in support of philanthropic efforts, and planning and conducting programs designed to promote the public’s understanding of a unit’s activities and research with the aim of cultivating donors and raising money. These efforts may also include, but are not limited to annual giving, major gift development, corporate and foundation relations, and planned gift identification and advancement.

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt.

Monthly Salary:

Director of Development 3 Salary Range: $8,338.26 to $13,750.00

Director of Development 2 Salary Range: $7,541.56 to $11,795.78

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation Structure.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications Senior Director of Development 3:

• A Bachelor’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 five (5) years as a unit director or equivalent leadership experience and demonstrated success in face-to-face solicitations of gifts of $100,000 or more.

Required Qualifications Senior Director of Development 2:

• A Bachelor’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 three (3) years as a unit director or equivalent leadership experience and demonstrated success in face-to-face solicitations of gifts of $75,000 or more.

Required Qualifications for All Candidates

• A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Requires one year of Advancement experience within higher education or similar organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships.
• Ability to cultivate, develop and steward client/donor relationships.
• Understanding of proposal development and writing, fundraising and/or client development principles and techniques; project management skills; and relevant event planning/management.
• Success in proposal writing and submission.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license at time of hire and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends, as this may be required.

*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.

Preferred Qualifications for All Candidates:

• Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $500,000 and above.
• Proven experience 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.
• Experience in developing timely and compelling communication and stewardship material.
• Advanced degree.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About the College of Arts and Sciences- With 19 schools, departments, and programs, and 18 centers, institutes, museums, and research stations, we are the heart of WSU. Our transformative education and cutting-edge research pave the way for a dynamic future. Our faculty’s excellence sparks groundbreaking discoveries, and our strong community connections enrich lives. We are committed to empowering every student to reach their fullest potential, ensuring that diverse perspectives and innovative ideas grow into solutions that make a difference for Washington and beyond.

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences

Department Name: Dean's Office

Location: Pullman, WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full timePosition Term:

12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

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More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/