Senior Director of Development

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The Opportunity

Western Washington University (WWU), a nationally recognized institution with over 15,000 students, is inviting nominations and applications for the Senior Director of Development. Located in beautiful Bellingham, WA, a coastal community of 90,000, Western is committed to academic excellence, inclusive achievement, and making a positive impact for its students across Washington and beyond.

The Senior Director of Development manages a team of fundraisers at the director and associate director level with a goal of raising money for all colleges and programs across the university. Serving as the primary liaison to deans and academic leaders, the Senior Director ensures alignment between fundraising strategy and academic priorities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, this leader serves as a strategic partner across University Advancement, collaborating closely with colleagues in Prospect Research, Advancement Services, Planned Giving, and Alumni Engagement to advance Western’s philanthropic goals.

As a senior development officer, this position is charged with creating and implementing a comprehensive development program for their team, to engage and solicit alumni, parents, friends, community members, business, and civic leaders to achieve the fundraising goals for Western. The Senior Director of Development is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more, with a specific focus on principal gift prospects starting at the $250,000 level. This role requires strategic vision, creativity, and a deep commitment to Western’s mission—values strengthened through an inclusive and diverse environment. Western seeks candidates who embrace and contribute to this culture of equity and belonging while advancing the university’s philanthropic impact.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Western Washington University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by December 4, 2025. Application materials should include:

• Letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position
• Current résumé/curriculum vitae
• A list of three professional references

Application materials should be submitted through the Greenwood Asher & Associates portal accessible via this link.

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.

Nominations and confidential inquiries can be sent to:

Jim Johnsen, Vice President of Executive Search
jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com

Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant
kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com