Job Description
Job Title: Executive Director for Development & Alumni Relations
Department: Advancement & Alumni Relations
Reports to: President
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $63,000.00 - $72,000.00
OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students. Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.
JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a visionary, energetic, and mission-driven fundraising leader to serve as our next Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations. This individual will be a key partner in driving the university’s strategic priorities through philanthropic investment, advancing our goals for student scholarships, capital improvements, internship programs, faculty excellence, and alumni engagement.
The successful candidate will bring a passion for education, a heart for student transformation, and a proven track record of building relationships that lead to generous giving. This is a unique opportunity for a development professional who is inspired by purpose, driven by impact, and eager to help students thrive in college, career, and character.
PRIMARY DUTIES: - Secure major gifts and planned gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and faith-based organizations to fund scholarships, campus development, and student success initiatives.
- Cultivate and steward long-term relationships with alumni, board members, community partners, foundations, and new donor prospects.
- Partner with the President and executive leadership to engage high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic leaders in support of Vision 2030 and other strategic initiatives.
- Develop targeted campaigns to support priority areas such as the Needs Grant Fund, student internships, retention, and academic innovation.
- Oversee donor recognition and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Collaborate across departments, including the academy, enrollment, career services, alumni affairs, and student success, to integrate fundraising with institutional goals.
- Proven success in fundraising with a minimum of 7–10 years in development or advancement leadership, preferably in higher education or mission-driven nonprofits.
- Demonstrated ability to secure major and transformational gifts.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and inspire generosity across diverse communities.
- Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and team management skills.
- Experience engaging with alumni, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Passion for educational access, equity, student development, and faith-based values.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience working in a faith-based, mission-centered academic environment.
- Familiarity with tuition-dependent institutions and the financial drivers of higher education.
- A personal commitment to the integration of moral leadership, social mobility, educational purpose, and partnering with all institutional units for desired outcomes.
Benefits: The full fringe benefit plan includes but is not limited to:
- Health care, including vision, dental, and prescription drugs
- Flexible Spending Plans
- Competitive 403B plan
- Individualized retirement planning sessions
- Tuition assistance for employees and dependents
- Life insurance including supplemental and accidental death and dismemberment policies
- Long Term Disability
- Legal Assistance Program
- Paid time off
- Wellness programs
- Professional Development
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES Washington Adventist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. WAU complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Washington
Adventist University provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Maryland law.
As a religiously affiliated institution, Washington Adventist University exercises its constitutional and statutory rights to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and reserves the right to claim exemption from certain provisions of Title IX and Title VII where they conflict with the university’s religious beliefs and values.
Job Tags
Internship, Work at office, Flexible hours,