Senior Advancement Officer – Washington Region
Location: Walla Walla, WA (Hybrid or In-Person)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 DOE
Schedule: Monday–Friday; evenings and weekends as needed
Travel: Required across Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon
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About United Way of the Blue Mountains
Founded in 1940 as the Community Chest, United Way of the Blue Mountains (UWBM) is a respected nonprofit committed to strengthening communities across our region. We serve Columbia, Walla Walla, and Garfield counties in Washington, and Umatilla, Morrow, Wallowa, Baker, and Union counties in Oregon.
Our mission is to mobilize resources, foster partnerships, and lead collaborative efforts that improve health, education, and financial stability for all. We support local nonprofits through grants and operate collective impact programs in priority areas such as early childhood education, financial resilience, and disaster recovery.
Our Core Values
CREATING inclusive solutions with diverse community voices
ACTING with compassion, integrity, respect, and accountability
RECRUITING and mobilizing people with passion, expertise, and resources
ENGAGING stakeholders in meaningful relationships to drive lasting change
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Position Summary
We are seeking a mission-driven, community-focused Senior Advancement Officer to lead donor engagement, fundraising, and regional outreach across Southeast Washington. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and relationship-builder who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
This role plays a critical part in expanding UWBM’s visibility, support, and impact in the Washington region, with responsibilities spanning donor development, community engagement, grant writing, events, and marketing/communications.
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Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
• Lead major giving, individual and workplace campaigns, and sponsorship efforts
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships across sectors
• Execute targeted fundraising strategies that foster donor loyalty and long-term investment
• Organize and support campaign committees with messaging and engagement tools
• Oversee donor recognition and relationship-building activities
Grants & Resource Development
• Research and apply for grants from regional funders and philanthropic institutions
• Manage grant reporting, compliance, and fund utilization tracking
• Support the Washington-based grant allocation process and grantee communication
• Seek new institutional funding opportunities that align with UWBM’s mission
Community Engagement & Coalition Building
• Represent UWBM at local events, forums, and civic engagements
• Build collaborative partnerships with nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and key stakeholders
• Host outreach meetings and presentations to engage diverse community audiences
• Support the design and implementation of collective impact initiatives
Events, Campaigns, Marketing & Communications
• Plan and manage local fundraising events and donor campaign activities
• Coordinate event logistics, corporate sponsorships, and in-kind donations
• Collaborate on promotional content, social media, and branded communications
• Provide campaign support to Employee Campaign Coordinators in workplace settings
Strategic Leadership
• In conjunction with the Senior Advancement Officer in Oregon and the Executive Director, develop and implement a comprehensive, organization-wide development plan
• Maintain a regional calendar of fundraising campaigns, events, and grant deadlines
• Leverage data, donor trends, and market research to inform strategies
• Support board fundraising engagement through planning and stewardship guidance
• Stay informed about philanthropy and nonprofit communications best practices
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Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Deep understanding of UWBM’s mission and the communities we serve
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated and adaptable to fast-paced and evolving environments
• Flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends and regional travel
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Preferred Qualifications
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, event planning, or communications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, CRM tools, and collaborative software
• Strong storytelling, strategic messaging, and public engagement skills
• Knowledge of nonprofit marketing and communication best practices
• Ability to interpret financial and programmatic data to support planning
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Compensation & Benefits
• Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 DOE
• Benefits:
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Retirement plan
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Commitment to Equity
United Way of the Blue Mountains is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We evaluate all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, advanced education, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully to our mission.
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How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to christy@uwbluemt.org with the subject line: "Senior Advancement Officer Application
- Cover letter
- Resume
We will consider applications on a rolling basis until we find the right person for the role.
If you have any questions, please contact Christy Lieuallen at christy@uwbluemt.org.