Senior Advancement Programs Officer - University Advancement

Senior Advancement Programs Officer for Parent and Student Initiatives, Philanthropic Strategy

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

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.).

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Travel as needed
• Physical effort: typically sitting at desk or table, typically standing or walking
• Equipment: office equipment

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position
• Work Experience: Relevant Experience (4 Years)
• Skills: Not Applicable
• Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position

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.
• 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.

Salary Range

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget. The targeted hiring range for this position is $65,900 - $78,000.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation
• 10 recognized holidays
• Sick time

Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges
• Annual health screenings
• Mental health resources
• Mindfulness programs and courses
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Financial resources
• Access to dietitians
• More!

Family

• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child
• Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.