Pike Place Market Foundation Director of Development
About The Position
The Pike Place Market Foundation (PPMF) is seeking a Director of Development to shape its fundraising strategy, build and lead a high-performing team, and manage major donor relationships. This role is crucial as the Foundation enters a new chapter with a new Executive Director, a growing Board, and a dedicated Development team. The Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fund development strategy, managing the Development department's budget, and partnering with program staff to create compelling funding opportunities. They will also build, coach, and lead a diverse development team, oversee operations, and drive major donor and community engagement. The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraising leader who is energized by the PPMF community and eager to help it thrive, possessing both strategic vision and hands-on execution skills.
Requirements
- Extensive senior-level fundraising leadership experience, with a track record of building diverse, sustainable fundraising plans and meeting ambitious, multi-year goals.
- A track record of personally cultivating and closing major gifts, ideally in the six figures, and managing a robust donor portfolio.
- Experience building and leading high-performing fundraising teams, with a genuine commitment to inclusive leadership and creating a culture where people from different backgrounds can do their best work.
- Skilled at partnering with, and coaching as needed, executive leadership, Board members, and staff.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
- A data-driven approach to fundraising strategy — using donor insights and performance metrics to shape decisions.
- Fluency in donor CRM systems and fundraising technology.
- Excellent communication skills, with proven success crafting compelling appeals, campaign narratives, and donor communications.
- Comfort leading through change and ambiguity while maintaining fundraising momentum, exercising sound judgment in complex, fast-moving situations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with capital or endowment campaigns, planned giving, or other major growth initiatives.
- Established relationships within the Seattle philanthropic community and familiarity with the Pacific Northwest civic and nonprofit sector.
- Background in human services, food access, healthcare, or related community impact work.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fund development strategy spanning annual giving, major and planned gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and events.
- Own the Development department's budget, optimizing resource allocation.
- Partner with program staff to translate community needs into compelling funding opportunities.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational planning.
- Build, coach, and lead a diverse development team, setting clear goals and fostering a culture of accountability.
- Hire, onboard, and supervise two new gift officers (major donor and mid-level).
- Oversee Development operations, including CRM systems, gift processing, and data reporting.
- Manage contract resources such as the team's grant writer, while personally leading strategy and writing on complex proposals.
- Create alignment across fundraising functions and with partners across the organization.
- Navigate performance management directly and honestly, providing regular feedback.
- Personally manage a portfolio of major donors, prospects, and institutional partners.
- Partner with the Executive Director and Board to cultivate, solicit, and steward significant gifts.
- Serve as staff lead on the Board's revenue development committee.
- Oversee donor communications, including appeals, campaign narratives, and impact stories.
- Serve as a visible, respected ambassador for the Foundation within the Market ecosystem and Seattle philanthropic community.
Benefits
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (counseling, wellness, legal, financial, and family care resources)
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
- Voluntary supplemental coverage options
- Orca card and onsite parking
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- 403(b) retirement savings plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
