Description

Position Summary
WashU seeks an advancement professional to join University Advancement in the position of Director of Strategy, School of Public Health. In January 2025, WashU launched the School of Public Health under Dean Galea’s leadership – the first School established at the University in 100 years. The School, one of the five pillars of the transformative With You Campaign, publicly launched in 2025, with a goal to pursue solutions to the world’s biggest challenges and make a more promising future for all. 

University Advancement strives to advance the institution’s mission by creating a culture of philanthropy among alumni, students, faculty, and friends. 

The Director of Strategy will report to the Executive Director for Advancement, School of Public Health and will serve as a subject matter expert on the School of Public Health’s priorities, progress and plans. The Director of Strategy will collaborate with leadership, staff and faculty to articulate philanthropic funding opportunities. Partnering with generalist gift officers, the Director of Strategy will translate these priorities in order to inform donor strategies for gift cultivation, solicitation and closure. The incumbent will oversee the creation of proposals and other fundraising collateral materials in support of the School. 

This role requires strong analytical and communication skills and a deep understanding of fundraising practices and trends in higher education, public health, and/or medical advancement. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising strategy development and implementation, as well as successful collaboration with colleagues from across departments, divisions or Schools. 

This position is located in St. Louis, MO and the targeted hiring range for this position is $84,200 - $115,000. Relocation assistance may be available for candidates who are outside of the Greater St. Louis region.

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Advance School of Public Health Funding Priorities

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, partner with School of Public Health leadership and faculty to articulate funding opportunities to different key audiences.
• Develop a deep understanding of key areas of distinction for the School as well as University and campaign priorities.
• Collaborate with Advancement Communications to draft strategic collateral, case statements, opportunity menus, and personalized proposals.
• Maintain school-specific resources and talking points for gift officer use.
• Understand and apply University and Advancement-wide policies that impact giving opportunities and proposals. 

Develop and Execute Donor Strategies

• Collaborate with generalist gift officers to develop individualized strategies for prospects that align to school priorities.
• Guide gift officers through scripting, consultation, and offering curated resources tailored to specific programs or initiatives.
• Contribute to visit briefings and executive profiles.
• Serve as a School of Public Health subject matter expert and/or proxy for faculty in select donor meetings.
• Collaborate with Principal Gifts in coordinating prospect visits with faculty and senior leadership, if needed.
• Collaborate with Corporate and Foundations Relations team and Office of Research within the School of Public Health in executing comprehensive strategies for corporate and foundation support for the School.
• Attend key academic and school events as a representative of University Advancement. 

Support the School’s Comprehensive Advancement Strategy

• In coordination with the Executive Director, oversee the dean’s caseload and ensure prospects are moved efficiently and effectively through the donor cycle.
• Manage gift tables and prospect lists for the School of Public Health in partnership with University Advancement colleagues.
• Support relationships across University Advancement for the School of Public Health.
• Build awareness within the School of Public Health to the work of advancement and the process for partnership and ensure faculty are supported in their fundraising activities at the School (meetings, proposal development, briefings, etc.).
• Build awareness within the donor/alumni community to the progress of the School and engagement opportunities, including events.

Operations

• Support the development of budgets for unit activity.
• Support the creation and implement annual operational plans (events calendar, communication calendar, OKRs, etc.).
• Support the team’s work with the School of Public Health National Council through meeting follow-up, engagement planning, and membership recruitment.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Work Experience: Relevant Experience (5 Years)

More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications:

• Value placed on organizational loyalty, commitment, pride, integrity, mutual respect, and collegial openness.
• Proven track record in successfully developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Ability to operate with a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies within a complex organization.
• Excellent understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Strong commitment to ethical fundraising practices and a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws and regulations.
• Track record of effectively leading and inspiring teams to achieve fundraising goals.
• Education: Master's degree
• Work Experience: Business Development Manager, Sales Executive, Or Related Role (4 Years)
• Skills: Active Listening, Analytical Thinking, Confidentiality, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision Making, Decision Making, Experience Management, Fundraising, Fundraising Software, High-Integrity, Leadership, Motivating Teams, Oral Communications, Prioritization, Priority Management, Problem Solving, Professional Integrity, Project Administration, Project Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Team Mentoring, Teamwork, Work Collaboratively, Written Communication