Bryant Group Tapped by the University of Washington to Fill Senior Role

October 21, 2024 – Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to lead the search for the executive director for annual philanthropy for the University of Washington. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment.
“We are looking for a people-first leader who understands and has a passion for public higher education; is skilled in segmentation with overlapping markets, building donor pipeline experiences; and is an expert at collaboration within a complex environment,” said Stephanie Doyle-Scroggs, associate vice president of development programs and strategy at University of Washington. “This is an opportunity to build an annual philanthropy program with a first-class organization comprised of dedicated colleagues. The successful candidate will be looked to as a voice at the highest levels, benefit from existing partnerships with marketing and have the full support of the development leadership.”
The successful candidate is a professional who has excelled in a data-driven, analytical, integrated program, and should have experience delivering cutting edge new technologies and strategies aimed at identification, engagement, solicitation and stewardship. Familiarity with enterprise marketing software, a people-first leadership approach and the ability to guide change in partnership with colleagues are all desired in the executive director. This role requires extensive experience working effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in support of shared goals and objectives within a complex, matrixed organization.
The executive director for annual philanthropy will grow the university’s base of private support both by acquiring and retaining donors and by creating a pipeline for major giving through compelling engagement and stewardship opportunities within The President’s Circle and other giving clubs.
Key qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional development and fundraising that includes annual philanthropy, according to Bryant Group. The successful candidate must have experience with complex market segmentation strategies; developing, supervising and leading a team within a complex, matrixed organization; working effectively with multiple stakeholders in support of shared goals and objectives; and developing and executing digital engagement strategies targeting highly segmented audiences.
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington, located in Seattle, is one of the oldest state-supported institutions of higher education on the West Coast and is one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The university is ranked No. 7 among all global universities by U.S. News & World Report and first among all public universities in the nation in federal research dollars received. In addition to its Seattle campus, the university has campuses in Tacoma and Bothell and a robust professional and continuing education program.
Earlier this year, Bryant Group helped to recruit Brad Joutras as assistant vice president, health sciences, and Suzanne Rinker as assistant vice president, schools and colleges for the University of Washington. “Reimagining the UW legacy structure will help ensure our teams receive the tools, resources and guidance they need to foster and grow philanthropic support, allowing the UW to make a positive impact in Washington and the world,” said Tamara Josserand, vice president for development, the University of Washington. “Brad and Suzanne have the expertise and passion to provide strategic support for our wonderful fundraising teams to do their best work and thrive. I am thrilled they are joining our UW community.”
Related: Bryant Group Recruits CEO for Montana State University Alumni Foundation
In their new positions, Mr. Joutras and Ms. Rinker will each oversee a cohort of units, providing the strategic support and guidance necessary for the fundraising teams to be successful and raise resources. These roles were developed as part of a two-year long organizational strategy designed to position the advancement enterprise to better serve the modern philanthropic landscape, which requires greater collaboration across a comprehensive university environment.
Finding Senior Leaders
Bryant Group specializes in advancement, fundraising, and leadership for universities, hospitals, and other non-profits. Its services include recruiting, talent development, and leadership coaching. The organization’s higher education clients include Stanford University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, and others. Its healthcare clients include UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Mayo Clinic in both Minnesota and Arizona, Henry Ford Health Systems, Betty Ford Center, to name just a few. Its other non-profit clients include the American Heart Association, March of Dimes in both California and New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and more.
Bryant Group is led by CEO Sally Bryant. She joined the search firm in 2007 and brings 30 years of experience in advancement management, consulting and recruiting, as well as achievements from the corporate sales arena and success in other entrepreneurial activities.
Bryant Group Recruits President and CEO for Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement
Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Telly McGaha as president and CEO at Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE). In May 2023, Elizabeth King announced her plans to retire as the WSUFAE president and CEO after 33 years of leading these efforts. The search committee was led by Lynn Nichols, chair of the WSUFAE board of directors, and Jay Smith, chair-elect, with guidance from the Bryant Group as well as additional advisory members. “Over the course of this search, we met with many candidates from across the country to find the best fit for this position, and we truly believe that Telly is the right person,” said Ms. Nichols. “Not only does he have an extensive history of fundraising experience, he also has the gift of collaborative leadership, which is exactly how the university and WSUFAE have created their longstanding success.”
Christopher P. Bryant, co-founder and advisor of Bryant Group, is a leader in the recruitment of advancement, development, and fundraising professionals. In 1988, he helped start what the firm describes as the country’s first executive search firm to specialize exclusively in philanthropy recruitment. Bryant Group is the successor firm, established in 2002. Now under the leadership of Ms. Bryant, the woman-owned firm focuses on advancing great leadership through executive search, leadership coaching and interim leadership services. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 270 organizations.
Ms. Hempen has over 20 years of fundraising and advancement leadership experience, serving most recently as assistant vice president of development at the University of South Florida. Having served both public and private universities, she has developed and led Annual Giving teams that consistently exceeded goals and created new revenue channels focused on building a pipeline for major gifts.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media