Philanthropy Officer

Seattle Humane • Bellevue, WA

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Philanthropy Officer is a full-time member of Seattle Humane’s Development team, responsible for securing significant philanthropic support through major and planned gifts. Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, the officer manages a portfolio of approximately 130 major and planned gift prospects and donors, building meaningful relationships that deepen engagement with Seattle Humane’s mission. The role cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors capable of giving $10,000 or more and helps supporters achieve charitable and legacy-giving goals.

The position manages planned-giving inquiries, documentation, donor records, and stewardship; conducts donor meetings and communications; develops donor-facing materials; identifies major- and planned-gift prospects; and collaborates with organizational leaders, board members, staff, and development colleagues. It is accountable for revenue targets and activity metrics, and includes representing Seattle Humane at events and meetings, tracking goals and budgets, and analyzing fundraising performance.

The role is based at Seattle Humane’s Bellevue, Washington campus, with onsite presence required at least three days per week under a hybrid work structure. The work takes place in a general office and animal-shelter environment. It involves extensive computer use and desk work, with potential exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, dander, and noise when handling animals. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 5 years of fundraising experience, focused on major gifts.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $10,000 or more and managing a donor portfolio.
• Knowledge of planned-giving principles and gift-planning vehicles.
• Experience managing and motivating volunteers, including board members.
• Working knowledge of annual giving, direct mail, digital fundraising, and planned giving.
• Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings or weekends (less than 10%).
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, including Raiser’s Edge, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Self-directed, proactive, and intrinsically motivated; demonstrated leadership in a team-oriented setting.
• Strategic thinking and strong relationship-building skills; results-driven and goal-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to analyze problems, determine solutions, communicate clearly, maintain attention to detail, and produce accurate work despite interruptions.
• Sensitivity to differing opinions, perspectives, and cultures, and flexibility to adapt to varied support needs, working styles, and demands.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned-giving inquiries, documentation, donor records, and stewardship activities.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and written communications to engage donors.
• Prepare, edit, and update cases for support, proposals, and other donor-facing materials.
• Identify and advance annual-gift opportunities into major gifts.
• Identify and cultivate planned-giving prospects among existing and long-time donors.
• Educate donors and prospects about planned-giving opportunities and vehicles.
• Provide timely donor acknowledgments, impact reports, and recognition.
• Build long-term donor relationships that encourage sustained and increased giving.
• Develop personalized communications and experiences to engage donors.
• Partner with leadership, board members, operations staff, and development colleagues to identify prospects and develop strategies.
• Support events and activities that advance major-gift relationships.
• Meet or exceed annual revenue targets and activity metrics; monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
• Represent Seattle Humane at donor functions, receptions, webinars, and community events.
• Attend local and regional meetings to identify fundraising opportunities and donor prospects.
• Develop and track revenue goals and expense budgets.
• Analyze fundraising performance, donor engagement metrics, and portfolio activity to inform strategy and improve results.

What This Job Offers

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