Position Summary

Washington University seeks an advancement professional to join University Advancement in the position of Senior Advancement Programs Officer for Parent and Student Initiatives, Philanthropic Strategy.

University Advancement strives to advance the mission of the school by creating a culture of philanthropy among alumni, families, students, faculty, and friends. With the 2025 public launch of the With You Campaign, WashU is ambitiously pursuing solutions to the world’s greatest challenges—to make a more promising future for all. The Parent and Student Initiatives team is part of the Philanthropic Strategy vertical and partners with gift officers to engage parents as donors and volunteers.

The Senior Advancement Programs Officer will foster deep connections for parents with Washington University through meaningful volunteer leadership, programming, and philanthropy. Will seek opportunities to partner with gift officers on ways to engage parents and guide their philanthropic journey with WashU. The incumbent will act as a connector within the Philanthropic Strategy vertical – aligning parents’ interests with the appropriate University priorities. Will also build a deep knowledge of the student experience at WashU and serve as an expert for their colleagues in Advancement. Reports to the Executive Director of Advancement for Parent and Student Initiatives.

This role requires strong project management and communication skills and an understanding of fundraising practices and trends in higher education, student affairs, and/or parent fundraising. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising and volunteer management, as well as successful collaboration with colleagues in complex, matrixed work environments.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Engage Parent Volunteers

• Manage the WashU Parents Council volunteer group by conceptualizing, developing, and evaluating its objectives, programming, and results.
• Set meeting agendas, secure speakers, and oversee the execution of related programs and events in collaboration with Special Events colleagues.
• Support and/or manage volunteer recruitment and the pipeline for leadership roles, in collaboration with strategy officers and gift officers.
• Contribute to Parents Council chairs’ relationships with the university in coordination with assigned gift officers.
• Contribute to visit profiles and executive briefings of Parent Council members, as needed.
• Partner with University Advancement Special Events colleagues, other staff with Parents Council responsibilities, and other related departments to execute Parents Council opportunities.

Recognize and Engage Parents in WashU Activities

• Understand the parent donor cycle and help gift officers facilitate strategic engagement each academic year.
• Understand the wide scope of university activities and fundraising priorities, support parent philanthropy and engagement across all schools and units.
• Act as a subject matter expert to colleagues on the student experience at WashU and identify appropriate cultivation and stewardship opportunities for parents at the University. Provide routine education on partnering with families.

Support the Comprehensive Parent Advancement Strategy and Develop Donor Strategies

• Actively engage with gift officers on parent philanthropy and provide expert guidance on best practices for engagement, visits, and outreach with a focus on driving philanthropic support.
• Guide gift officers through scripting, consultation, and offering curated resources.
• Facilitate connections between gift officers and other Philanthropic Strategy colleagues when parent prospects’ gift interests are determined.
• Attend key academic and university events as a representative of University Advancement.
• Manage gift tables and parent prospect lists in partnership with University Advancement colleagues. Track progress and drive accountability for parent pool visits.

Drive Annual Giving Support from Parents

• Working in collaboration with the Parent and Student Initiatives Programs Officer and the Engagement and Annual Giving Programs team, develop annual giving messaging for parents and manage parent annual fund appeals.
• Support giving day programs directed towards parents and provide guidance to University Advancement colleagues.
• Assist with identifying parent donors for giving challenges.

Support Team Operations

• Facilitate Days of Engagement, campus visits, and meetings for key prospects and volunteers in coordination with the Executive Director of Advancement.
• Support the development of budgets for unit activity.
• Support the creation and implement annual operational plans (events calendar, communication calendar, OKRs, etc.)

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Travel as needed

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at desk or table
• Typically standing or walking

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Work Experience: Relevant Experience (4 Years)

Preferred Qualifications

• Value placed on organizational loyalty, commitment, pride, integrity, mutual respect, and collegial openness.
• Operates with a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Ability to work with collaboratively with diverse constituencies within a complex organization.
• Excellent understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Knowledge of fundraising software, CRM systems, and digital fundraising platforms.
• Demonstrated passion for supporting the development of prospects’ relationship with the university.
• A deep appreciation for and the ability to articulate the mission and aspirations of Washington University. Desire to play a meaningful role in the University community and to share in its commitment to research and education.
• Comfort working in an environment that emphasizes measurable fundraising goals.
• Project leadership skills, with value placed on organizational loyalty, commitment, pride, integrity, mutual respect, and collegial openness.
• Development experience in a complex university environment.

Education: Master's degree

Work Experience: Business Development Manager, Sales Executive, Or Related Role (3 Years)

This position is located in St. Louis, MO and the targeted hiring range for this position is $65,900 - $78,000.

Grade

G13

Salary Range

$65,900.00 - $112,700.00 / Annually