Description

Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Philanthropy is responsible for planning and implementing the annual giving program to support Whatcom Community College (WCC). This includes leading year-round solicitations and campaigns to diverse constituents to identify, qualify, and solicit donors. This position develops strategies, campaigns and engagement activities (giving for alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, community friends, etc.) deepen relationships and secure contributions. The Director also manages stewardship of annual donors in recognition of their support. 

Reporting Structure/Supervisory Relationship:

This position reports to the Executive Director for WCC Foundation.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:
Develops and executes an annual giving solicitation plan for the fiscal year that includes fundraising strategies aimed at donors and prospects (alumni, employees, retirees, volunteer leadership, community friends and corporations) with the capacity to make gifts of up to $25,000.
Cultivates, solicits and stewards donors and prospects through targeted appeals and campaigns, individual meetings, and written appeals. 
Manages a portfolio of annual giving prospects and helps qualify prospective major donors. 
Devises appropriate next steps for leadership annual giving prospects which may include personally soliciting a gift, personalized engagement, or recommending the Executive Director cultivate the relationship. 
Manages and serves as the contact for all annual giving campaigns and stewardship activities and events. 
Works with donors and WCC programs in designating gifts such as memorial/honorary gifts, student scholarships, sponsorships, and special project or program initiatives.
Oversees the donor stewardship processes and activities including clarifying, implementing, monitoring and honoring donors intent and instructions, and ensuring they are accurately documented in records.
Plans and oversees annual giving cultivation activities and stewardship events. 
Works with the campus marketing team to develop marketing plans for donor acquisitions and renewals through e-solicitations and direct mail. This includes writing and editing appeal content and overseeing mailing procedures. 
Supports efforts with the design and implementation of the Foundation marketing and communications including newsletters, collateral material, web content, social media, and annual reports.
Supports the gift acknowledgement process and DonorPerfect database management activities.
Analyzes data to identify prospective donors for appeals and special projects, reports on and track campaigns, and generates a variety of reports to track donors and giving. 
Monitors data trends in annual donor activities to build and maintain donor retention and donor database. 
Serves as an active and collaborative team member in Institutional Advancement, participating in College and Foundation events and responding to inquiries and questions for fundraising support from college programs. 
Keeps current with the college's priorities and initiatives and represent the College in a positive fashion.
Performs other related duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques.
Knowledge of donor management and donor stewardship best practices.
Knowledge of marketing and communication strategies related to donor acquisition, retention, and engagement (digital, direct mail, and multi-channel campaigns).
Skill in relationship-building and solicitation to cultivate, solicit, and steward a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects.
Skill in written and verbal communication for creating compelling appeals, donor correspondence, and campaign messaging.
Skill in data analysis and reporting to interpret donor trends, track campaign performance, and inform fundraising strategies.
Ability to manage a donor portfolio and advance appropriate next steps for cultivation, solicitation, or referral to leadership.
Ability to design and execute donor engagement and stewardship events that strengthen donor relationships and retention.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in donor interactions and confidential information.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative advancement team in support of institutional fundraising efforts.
The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision, and promise. 

Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities:
Provides leadership and supervision of assigned support, technical, paraprofessional, or student staff including hiring, staff development, performance management, workload oversight, and corrective action as needed.

Working Conditions/Environment:
Work is performed primarily in an office or student services setting with frequent direct interaction with students and collaboration with campus and community partners. Position requires prolonged computer use, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds is required.

Salary:

This is a 12-month, full-time AFT (American Federation of Teachers) Staff represented position with an annual salary range of $75,636.00-$87,715.00 DOE, based on the AFT salary range for Program Director. Pending Governor approval, there will likely be a 2% cost of living increase to this range effective July 1st, 2026.
Benefits Package:

The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
Accrues 8 hours per month of sick leave and 14.67 hours per month vacation leave.
*Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the PSLF program. If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
Start Date:

As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.
Application Due Date:

For guaranteed consideration, applications should be received by Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 5:00pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply
A completed application consists of an online application and:

Cover letter detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
Current resume.
Values statement that responds to the following prompt:
Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals and in the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.

Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree. 
• At least two years of demonstrated professional fundraising experience and success in annual or major giving programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient for the person to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or another related field.
• Demonstrated experience in volunteer leadership and management. 
• Proficiency in using standard software programs including fundraising databases. 
• Experience working in a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization within an institution of higher education.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow. 
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. 

Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements:

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review. 
• Occasional travel to meetings, conferences and training sessions may be required.