Executive Brief

Senior Development Officer
Washington University in St. Louis

The Organization: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis is among the world’s leaders in teaching, research, patient care, and service to society. WashU is committed to learning and exploration, to discovery and impact. WashU is made of a variety of academic divisions including art & architecture, arts & sciences, business, engineering, law, medicine, and school work & public health. Together, the university explores intellectual passions and challenges the unknown. Located in St. Louis, MO, WashU's campuses demonstrate their commitment to an inclusive community that is welcoming, nurturing and intellectually rigorous.

The mission of Washington University in St. Louis is to act in service of truth through the formation of leaders, the discovery of knowledge and the treatment of patients for the betterment of our region, our nation and our world.

Washington University Advancement

University Advancement champions Washington University’s highest priorities by inspiring and engaging alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and organizational leaders in their region and around the globe.

University Advancement is a diverse staff of individuals whose unique contributions support a common mission. Advancement's purpose is to secure financial and human resources to assist Washington University in fulfilling its mission of teaching, research, and community service. The team advances the university’s mission through fundraising and other programs that promote awareness, understanding, involvement, commitment, and advocacy on the part of the university's constituents. Advancement strives to treat the university’s alumni, friends, students, and our colleagues with respect and dignity, creating an environment that encourages trust and teamwork.

The University Advancement team is motivated by the belief that improving the human condition through the advancement and transmission of knowledge is a just cause, worthy of their commitment.

To learn about WashU Advancement's giving program, click here.

Washington University - Advancement Leadership Spotlight

Pamella Henson - Executive Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

Pamella Henson
Executive Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

Pamella Henson is the Executive Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at Washington University. In this role, she oversees all advancement activities of the university, as well as alumni and parent relations, corporate and foundation relations, national councils, and other related programs. Before her appointment as executive vice chancellor on January 1, 2019, Pam had served as vice chancellor for alumni and development programs since 2016 and associate vice chancellor for alumni and development programs from 2006 to 2016. Upon coming to Washington University in 1993, she served first as a regional director of development, then as director of capital projects, and later as executive director of development for the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.

Pam’s career began at the United Way of the Desert (Palm Springs, Calif.), and the University of Redlands (Redlands, Calif.). She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Michigan.

Click here to view a message from the Executive Vice Chancellor.

Russ Austin - Vice Chancellor of Development

Russ Austin
Vice Chancellor of Development

Russ Austin has over 23 years of fundraising experience, with 18 of those years in university advancement. Russ began his development career at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Madison Children’s Museum before moving over to the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the fundraising arm for the University of Wisconsin. During his 14 years at WFAA, Russ held roles in the School of Veterinary Medicine, medical development, and planned giving, finishing his time at WFAA as Vice President of Planned Giving. In 2020, Russ joined Washington University in St. Louis where he is now the Vice Chancellor of Development. Russ has served on various boards, including the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society (President), Avenues to Community, and the Foundation for Madison Public Schools.

Joseph P. Neary, Ph.D. - Associate Vice Chancellor

Joseph P. Neary, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor

Joseph P. Neary, Ph.D. is an accomplished leader in higher education administration and advancement, currently serving as Associate Vice Chancellor at Washington University in St. Louis. In his role, Dr. Neary oversees the individual giving team, which is responsible for raising over $150 million annually. With nearly two decades of experience, he specializes in strategic management, fundraising, and organizational development. He has a proven track record of generating multimillion-dollar contributions and driving institutional growth across various roles, including Chief of Staff at the University of Louisville’s College of Business. Dr. Neary holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of South Carolina. He is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a dedicated community volunteer and mentor.

The Opportunity: Senior Development Officer

WashU - Senior Development Officer - Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

The Senior Development Officer reports to the Territory Executive Director or the Territory Senior Managing Director (in Territories where there is a Senior Managing Director) and is responsible for fundraising as a generalist on behalf of the university in support of key priorities. The role will be assigned to a Territory based on prospect population coverage needs with travel expectations of 50% of the time.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Focus on acquisition, retention, and reacquisition of prospects ($25,000 - $249,000) in the assigned region with a primary focus on unrestricted giving. Qualify and cultivate donors with the goal of increasing the donor’s support to leadership and major gift levels.
Work closely with all levels of development officers in the Territory to ensure short and long-term fundraising success. Work closely with subject matter experts in the Philanthropic Strategy Vertical to meet the fundraising priorities of the Danforth Campus schools, programs, university priorities, and university initiatives.
Help to create and foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork that celebrates outcomes, builds individual and team capacity, and ensures that WashU UA is a preferred workplace.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Expectations

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree.
Three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience soliciting gifts of $10,000 or more.
Four years of related experience.
Ability to think strategically and analytically as well as plan and implement effectively.
Demonstrated interest in meeting people; strong desire to initiate contact with and develop relationships with prospects and donors.
Demonstrated success as a team member who can also work independently.
Capacity to complete a large amount of work in a short time frame, given the pace of annual giving work.
Ability to work effectively within a complex organization across multiple units dealing with diverse constituents (school deans, administrators, alumni, students, university-wide advancement staff and key volunteers) toward development objectives and building effective working relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills executed in a timely fashion.
Ability to handle multiple projects effectively; a highly organized work style is essential.
Ability to effectively utilize computer and database technology; experience with Excel and/or Salesforce preferred.
Attention to detail, highly motivated, organized, positive, and energetic.
Flexibility to adapt during a time of organizational change.
Interest in giving and receiving feedback for professional growth.

Benefits Statement:

Personal

Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of WashU's free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. The University also offers a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
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, and more!

Family

WashU offers 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? They’ve got you covered.
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 the University.

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

EEO/AA 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.

The Location: St. Louis, Missouri

The St. Louis region combines the career opportunities of a major urban center with the affordability and easy living of a much smaller town. St. Louis is brimming with free, world-class attractions, fascinating historic sites, beloved sports teams, award-winning restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries and so much more.

St. Louis is often referred to as a city of neighborhoods. Each one has its own identity, with a unique character, style and vibe that adds to the vibrant patchwork of our region. Click here to explore the diverse neighborhoods of St. Louis.

The cost of living in St. Louis is significantly lower than the national average, allowing you to stretch your budget further. This translates into more affordable housing options, from historic apartments to modern condos, or even spacious homes in quiet neighborhoods. This financial flexibility lets you experience all that St. Louis has to offer — world-class museums, delicious food, and exciting entertainment — without breaking the bank.

Applications & Nominations

Washington University in St. Louis has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Wendy Wilsker
Managing Partner, Boston
wwilsker@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Sara Swisher-Anderson
Senior Executive Search Recruiter
sanderson@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.