Director of Philanthropy

Conservation Northwest•Seattle, WA

1d•$105,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropy has primary responsibility for all fundraising activities. The position oversees strategy, planning, management, and directing all fundraising activities for the organization.

Requirements

7-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with at least 3+ years in a leadership or management role
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and inspire a development team
Demonstrated success in developing and managing a pipeline of donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners
Strong ability to use data and metrics to drive decision-making, forecasting, segmentation, and portfolio management
Experience with capital campaigns or multi-year fundraising initiatives
Familiarity with CRM systems, preferably experience with Salesforce
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey mission impact compellingly
Ability to develop deep, trust‑based relationships with donors, community leaders, and institutional partners
Strong public-facing presence; comfort with representing the organization at events, meetings, and donor engagements
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical fundraising standards
Mission-driven, collaborative, strategic thinker
Results-oriented, with a high degree of initiative and follow‑through
Comfort working in a dynamic, evolving nonprofit environment
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered fundraising practices

Nice To Haves

Candidates that align with a majority of the job description and have an aptitude and interest in acquiring new skills or experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with the Executive Director, the Senior Director of Finance and Operations, and the Board ensuring fundraising approaches align with organizational values, equity commitments, and community relationships.
Balance revenue growth with organizational health by building realistic plans that prioritize staff sustainability, donor trust, and long-term relationships.
Lead the development of an annual fundraising plan and strategy in collaboration with Board and staff, that reflects organizational priorities reflected in the annual budget and workplan.
Actively promote a culture of philanthropy amongst staff and board, with a vision to strengthen and deepen donor and member engagement.
Seek to embed community-centric fundraising principles into CNW’s fundraising strategy, policies, systems, and team culture.
Oversee the three pillars (Institutional Giving, Major Giving, Events) of the Philanthropy team and all activities to achieve annual fundraising goals of $4M+.
Serve on Conservation Northwest’s senior leadership team and provide monthly updates to leadership and the board.
Draft and manage the Philanthropy budget.
Oversee management of and facilitate improvements to fundraising systems (such, but not limited to, as Salesforce, GoFundMe Pro, Double the Donation, Active Campaign, Wealth Engine, Freewill, etc.).
Collaborate with Finance to ensure reconciliation between Salesforce and Quickbooks and coordinate revenue reporting to Finance and to the board.
Develop, implement, and/or support donor recruitment and stewardship communications (direct mail, email campaigns, social media, etc.).
Oversee community level donor strategy and stewardship.
Create strategies to identify and secure new individual supporters, fully leverage existing relationships, and increase annual and planned giving.
Lead creation of the annual report.
Support major gift stewardship, including donor letters, events and annual appeals.
Lead planned giving strategy, including partnership with FreeWill, and settlement of realized bequests and estate gifts.
Coordinate with Communications Director on external communication strategy and content.
Maintain a mature portfolio of donors and work closely with the Board to cultivate giving from prospective supporters.
Oversee strategy, planning, and day-of-event engagement for our annual auction and dinner.
Collaborate and think strategically with the Philanthropy team to re-envision and implement donor engagement and fundraising events throughout the year.
Collaborate with Philanthropy Partnerships Manager on grant research, writing/editing, reporting, compliance, tracking and strategy with institutional funders (foundations, corporate, and government).
Support the cultivation of new foundation, agency and other grant funding prospects.
Cultivate and steward relationships with company partners for non-grant giving (1% for the Planet, sponsorships, etc.).