Partnerships and Events Manager

Bellwether Housing • Seattle, WA

5d • $81,000 - $99,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Partnerships and Events Manager leads Bellwether Housing’s annual signature fundraising event, the Closer to Home luncheon, overseeing sponsorship acquisition, event logistics, attendance strategy, event gifts, and vendor relationships. This role also cultivates and maintains relationships with corporate and foundation Grantmakers and prepares and submits grant proposals and reports. Working closely with the Director of Community Relations, Real Estate Development, and senior leadership, the Partnerships and Events Manager align partnership and event strategies with organizational priorities and fundraising goals, balancing external relationship-building with internal coordination across programs, finance, and communications.
In this role, you’ll help maximize the revenue from event sponsorships, event-based donations, and grant funding in support of both general operations and capital needs. Through thoughtful relationship-building, compelling events, and strategic proposals, the Partnerships and Events Manager will grow Bellwether’s pipeline of corporate and foundation partners year over year, inspiring long-term investment in Bellwether Housing’s mission.

Requirements

• Experience planning large-scale (500-1,000-person) events.
• Experience with CRM software, preferably Salesforce.
• Ability to problem-solve and provide excellent customer service.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through work.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 software suite.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of affordable housing issues in Seattle, or an interest and willingness to learn.
• A bachelor's degree and four years of fundraising experience that includes relationship management, sponsorship acquisition, and grant writing, or eight years of work experience in a fundraising role that includes relationship management, sponsorship acquisition, and grant writing.
• You thrive in inclusive environments and have a passion for connecting with individuals who share a wide range of experiences. At your core, you are committed to value, equity, inclusion, and respect.

Responsibilities

• Research, build, and maintain relationships with foundation and corporate grant makers.
• Independently manage donor stewardship for sponsors and grant makers, including proposals, regular updates, reports, meeting invitations, and acknowledgement letters.
• Track progress toward sponsorship, event, and grant revenue goals and adjust strategies as needed in collaboration with the development team.
• Manage comprehensive planning, organization, and execution of the annual Closer to Home lunch. This includes attendee registration, sponsorship acquisition, volunteer management, and vendor management within purchasing and operating guidelines and budgets.
• Manage multiple timelines and deliverables across events, sponsorships, and grant cycles, ensuring deadlines and internal review processes are met.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messages for external partners.
• Manage Salesforce gift processing for sponsorships and grants, maintaining accurate records and documentation for all organizational gifts and pledges.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of fundraising, partnerships, and events.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation accompanied by a generous benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match, guiding you towards a prosperous future.
• Fuel for your personal and professional development with up to $1,500 in employer-paid continuing education per year.
• An ORCA Transit Pass to navigate the city with ease.
• Up to 24 paid days off in your first year, prorated personal days renewed annually, and 8 paid office closure days.
• The chance to be part of a transformative mission, leaving a mark on the lives of those we serve in our communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager