Description

POSITION DETAILS

POSITION TITLE: Senior Philanthropy Director

LOCATION:  Remote from Seattle Metro, Washington

REPORTS TO:  President

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Full-Time, Exempt

SALARY:  $145,000–$160,000 annual starting salary, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package  

APPLICATION PERIOD: Open until filled

PREFERRED START DATE: Flexible

THE OPPORTUNITY

Sustainable Northwest is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Philanthropy Director to grow its fundraising program. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned fundraising professional who thrives on building relationships, crafting compelling cases for support, and closing unrestricted gifts. Our role requires a high degree of independence and personal initiative.

This position is the primary driver of philanthropic revenue for Sustainable Northwest and will help to shape organization-wide fundraising strategy. Based in the Seattle metro area, the position will also serve as a lead for philanthropic engagement in the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. The Philanthropy Director will report to the President (based in Portland), supervise the Development Manager (based in Portland), and work in close collaboration with program and communications staff.

This role is ideal for someone who is genuinely self-motivated and self-directed – someone who sets their own pace, builds their own pipeline, and brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution to the work of philanthropy and conservation in the Pacific Northwest.  

BENEFITS 

Sustainable Northwest offers a generous benefits package supporting employee wellness with medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; ample paid time off, sick time, and 11 federal holidays; flexible daily and weekly work schedules; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions; cell phone reimbursement; transit and bicycle benefits; pre-tax spending plan for medical and/or dependent care; and support for professional training.

Support and accommodations will also be provided for regular travel to the Portland office for in person engagement to facilitate coordination with leadership and staff and ensure alignment with the organizational mission and priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Philanthropic Leadership (20%)

• Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that grows an increasingly larger base of donors and prospects with a strong emphasis on unrestricted revenue.
• Set annual and multi-year philanthropic goals in partnership with the President; track and report on progress regularly.
  Identify, research, and prioritize new unrestricted funding opportunities across individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the President, Board, and Staff on philanthropic trends, donor engagement strategy, and campaign planning.
• Collaborate with the President and members of the Board to identify prospective board members who will enhance the capabilities of the organization.
• Manage, guide, and professionally develop a Development Manager. 
   

Major Gifts & High Net Worth Individuals (50%)

• Cultivate and steward a personal portfolio of major and principal gift donors, with a focus on individuals capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Develop engagement strategies for major donors, including moves management plans, touchpoints, and gift proposals tailored to donor interests.
• Build relationships with high net worth individuals who are aligned with Sustainable Northwest’s mission and values.
• Represent Sustainable Northwest at donor events, community gatherings, and networking opportunities across Washington state, with primary focus on the greater King County area and Puget Sound region.
• Curate donor cultivation experiences with key donors and staff
   

Corporate Philanthropy & Partnerships (20%)

• Collaborate with Development Manager and President to design and implement a corporate giving program that expands Sustainable Northwest’s relationships with Washington-based businesses, including technology companies, financial institutions, outdoor industry brands, and natural resource sectors.
• Identify corporate partners whose values and priorities align with Sustainable Northwest’s work; develop compelling partnership proposals and sponsorship opportunities.
• Negotiate and steward corporate partnerships, ensuring high-quality recognition, reporting, and relationship management.
• Work with the conservation and communications teams to develop corporate engagement opportunities such as site visits, events, and co-branded initiatives.
   

Management and collaboration (10%)

• Oversee Development Manager’s execution of strategic philanthropic goals and activities, including but not limited to donor portfolio management, outreach and acknowledgment, gift processing, database management, donor records, annual giving, and legacy giving.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager, communications team, and President on compelling donor-facing materials, case statements, annual appeals, impact reports, digital fundraising content, and fundraising events.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in or strong passion for conservation, natural resources, environment, working lands and or related fields.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with at least 3 years in a fundraising leadership role.
• A documented track record of growing organizational revenue by 30% over a multi-year period through demonstrated success in major gifts, foundation relations, or corporate partnerships.
• Minimum 2 years experience managing staff and colleagues to successfully meet fundraising and revenue goals.
• Proven track record of personally soliciting and closing five- and six-figure unrestricted gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations in Washington state.
• Ability to coach and activate a Board of Directors, moving them to active solicitors.
• Experience creating and executing multi-year development plans that balance diverse revenue streams (Individual, Corporate, Foundation).
• Existing relationships with Washington’s philanthropic community and professional networks, with a focus on King County.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills; able to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders, including high-impact donors and corporate executives.
• Highly self-directed and entrepreneurial; able to manage a complex portfolio and set priorities with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with donor database systems and comfort working with data to inform strategy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential or an advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in nonprofit leadership preferred).
• Experience leading or playing a key role in a comprehensive growth campaign.
• Familiarity with complex gift vehicles, including planned giving.
• Proficiency in using Generative AI for automated prospect research and predictive wealth screening.