Senior Philanthropy Officer, Research and Innovation

Seattle Children's•Seattle, WA

1d•$180,884 - $271,326•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle Children’s Foundation is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Officer, Research and Innovation (SPORI)—a role designed for a senior level fundraiser who thrives at the intersection of pediatric science, innovation and transformational philanthropy. As a member of the Principal Giving team, this role will serve as a key liasion between Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI) leadership and visionary donors. This position goes beyond development; it requires a strategic thought partner capable of framing promising pediatric research and discoveries into compelling, high-impact philanthropic narratives. By building trusted relationships with renowned investigators and executive leadership, this role will optimize opportunities to engage and inspire donors in support of Seattle Children’s most innovative ideas. The SPORI is responsible for directly securing principal and transformational giving throughout their portfolio, while collaborating across the team, in a unified effort to maximize giving and accelerate discoveries from bench to bedside. The Senior Philanthropy Officer, Research and Innovation (SPORI) is responsible for driving the growth and sustainability of philanthropic support for research initiatives across the Seattle Children's Research Institute (SCRI). In this role, the SPORI facilitates strategic philanthropic planning in close partnership with both Research and Foundation leadership, ensuring that fundraising efforts are fully aligned with the organization's long-term scientific and clinical priorities. The SPORI is tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive philanthropic roadmap, working in direct coordination with SCRI and Foundation leaders to secure the resources necessary for breakthrough innovations and medical advancements. To achieve these goals, the SPORI partners closely with the Chief Scientific Officer, Chief Innovation Officer and the Chief Research Operations Officer to establish and refine fundraising priorities for specific research programs. Simultaneously, the SPORI works alongside the Chief Development Officer and the broader Development team to manage a robust portfolio of major and principal gift donors, overseeing all stages of the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process. As a central point of connection, the SPORI serves as a vital liaison between the Foundation, the Hospital, and the Research Institute, managing high-level relationships with Trustees, volunteers, and key community stakeholders to broaden the base of support. By fostering a culture defined by a relentless spirit of inquiry, innovation, and compassion, the SPORI ultimately ensures that children and families across the region gain expanded access to life-saving research and advanced therapeutics.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional designation.
Minimum ten years’ experience in the fundraising profession, with progressively increasing scope of responsibility.
Minimum seven years' experience in major giving ($100K+) and principal giving ($1M+) fundraising.
Minimum seven years' experience working with institutional leadership and leadership volunteers.
Minimum five years' experience developing and managing fundraising plans.

Nice To Haves

Minimum five years fundraising and management experience in a hospital, university or organization of equivalent size, scope and complexity.
Proven track record of securing seven-figure gifts by partnering directly with principal investigators and clinicians to translate bench-to-bedside research into actionable, high-level philanthropic investment opportunities.

Responsibilities

Drive the growth and sustainability of philanthropic support for research initiatives across the Seattle Children's Research Institute (SCRI).
Facilitate strategic philanthropic planning in close partnership with both Research and Foundation leadership.
Develop and execute a comprehensive philanthropic roadmap, working in direct coordination with SCRI and Foundation leaders to secure resources for breakthrough innovations and medical advancements.
Partner closely with the Chief Scientific Officer, Chief Innovation Officer and the Chief Research Operations Officer to establish and refine fundraising priorities for specific research programs.
Manage a robust portfolio of major and principal gift donors, overseeing all stages of the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process.
Serve as a vital liaison between the Foundation, the Hospital, and the Research Institute, managing high-level relationships with Trustees, volunteers, and key community stakeholders.
Secure principal and transformational giving throughout their portfolio.
Collaborate across the team to maximize giving and accelerate discoveries from bench to bedside.