Director of Advancement Strategies and Operation

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Advancement Strategies and Operation is responsible for managing a team that supports fundraising and engagement, including gift and data processing, prospect development, reporting and analysis, technology and systems, and database management.  Establishes policies and procedures, develops and monitors the department budget, and coordinates assessment activities and management of staff.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Collaboration, Reporting and Analytics (60%)

• Prepare and analyze regular reports on major gifts fundraising, engagement activity and events, and uses them to recommend strategies and tactics. 


• Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and documentation including training and operational manuals, related to advancement strategies and operation. 


• Create and build a responsive and information-sharing relationship between major gift officers and prospect development staff to improve and maintain institutional memory of prospects.


• Keep abreast of industry best practices and available/emerging systems for operational support of fundraising and engagement. 


• Adapt to evolving priorities and contributes to additional projects and initiatives related to Development and Alumni Relations that align with institutional needs.

Supervision and Operation Management (40%)

• Supervise Advancement Strategies and Operation department staff of 5.


• Collaborate with staff to assign work most effectively, with specific attention to increasing productivity through the use of technology.


• Manage gift and data processing, prospect development, and CRM (Slate) operations.


• Manage workflow and delegate projects to ensure accuracy, responsiveness, and timeliness in processing requests.


• Train new staff, encourage initiative and creativity of staff in meeting demands, and ensure staff participation in professional development opportunities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• An extremely well organized, detail-oriented individual.


• Possesses ability to lead, supervise, delegate to and hold accountable direct reports. 


• Models cooperation, collegiality and teamwork. 


• Exhibits personal and professional integrity as well as respect for the confidentiality of colleagues and constituents. 


• Ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities. 


• Strong analytical, oral and written communication skills. 


• Exhibits excellent planning, prioritization, organization, efficiency and follow-through. 


• Demonstrates self-motivation, flexibility, problem solving and commitment to innovation. 


• Shows dependability, punctuality, high quality, accuracy and timeliness of work produced. 


• Well-developed interpersonal skills to deal effectively with a wide range of constituents, including those at very senior levels.


• Actively and positively contributes to Whitman’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access and the Development and Alumni Relations Department’s values of integrity, trust, respect, collaboration, accountability and inclusion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree.


• 4+ years of professional experience in a similar position.


• Demonstrated direct supervisory and management experience.  


• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Zoom, and Internet tools.


• Proficiency using development software (preferably Slate) and broad understanding of the technological tools available to development offices. 


• OR a combination of relevant experience, training and education.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with fundraising and/or development teams.


• Advanced knowledge of fundraising and reporting software and databases.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional evenings and weekends for event assistance.


• Some regional and national travel is required.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

June 2026