Philanthropy Officer

Seattle Humane; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Humane is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to join its Development team. This role manages a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects, cultivating relationships that inspire philanthropy and deepen engagement with Seattle Humane’s mission.

The officer will solicit gifts of $10,000 and above, coordinate donor communications, and collaborate with leadership and volunteers to advance fundraising initiatives. Hybrid work, with local events and occasional evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience in fundraising or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of fundraising experience with a focus on major gifts.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $10,000+ and managing a portfolio.
• Knowledge of planned giving principles and gift planning vehicles.
• Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings/weekends with valid WA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects and donors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of $10,000+ gifts.
• Prepare donor-facing materials, cases for support, and proposals.
• Collaborate with leadership, board, and staff to identify prospects and craft strategies.
• Represent Seattle Humane at donor events and community activities.
• Analyze fundraising performance and adjust strategies to meet revenue targets.

Skills

Portfolio management

Donor cultivation

Donor solicitation

Stewardship

Collaboration

Fundraising strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB TITLE: Philanthropy Officer

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Associate Director of Development

Position Summary

The Philanthropy Officer is a key 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, this position manages a portfolio of approximately 130 major and planned gift prospects and donors, developing meaningful relationships that inspire philanthropy and deepen engagement with Seattle Humane's mission. The Philanthropy Officer is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above while helping supporters achieve their charitable and legacy giving goals.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (85%)

Portfolio Management

• Manage planned giving inquiries, documentation, donor records, and stewardship activities.

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

• 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 from existing and long-time donors.
• Educate donors and prospects about planned giving opportunities and planned giving vehicles.

Stewardship

• Ensure donors receive timely acknowledgment, impact reports, and recognition.
• Build long-term relationships to encourage sustained and increased giving.
• Implement creative and thoughtful strategies for donor engagement through personalized communications and experiences.

Collaboration

• Partner with leadership, board members, operations staff, and development colleagues to identify prospects and craft strategies.
• Support events and activities that advance major gift relationships.

Goal Achievement

• Meet or exceed annual revenue targets and activity metrics.
• Monitor progress toward goals and adjust strategies as needed.

Additional Responsibilities and Other Duties as Assigned (~15%)

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Communication/Interpersonal Contact

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Self-directed, proactive, and intrinsically motivated.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in a team-oriented setting.
• Strategic thinker with strong relationship-building skills.
• Results-driven and goal-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Knowledge/Experience/Education Or Training

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent education and experience; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of fundraising experience, with a focus on major gifts.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $10,000+ and managing a 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/weekends (<10%) with valid Washington state driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• None

Physical/Mental Requirements

This job involves significant time sitting (or standing) at a desk and using a computer. Must be able to analyze problems and determine the best solutions and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Must possess good attention to detail, be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions. Needs to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures. Position facilitates collaboration among varied groups and audiences, both in person, over the phone, and in writing. Flexibility to adapt to differing support needs, working styles, and demands.

Working Conditions

General Office Environment: General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is a potential of animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise.

Equipment Use: Continuous use of computer, printer, copy machine, and multi-line telephone.

Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours a week, with occasional evenings or weekends for events. Hybrid work structure with required in-office presence per organizational policy.

LOCATION: Position works onsite in the Bellevue, WA campus at least 3 days per week.

Seattle Humane Core Values

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values:

• Collaboration
• Compassion
• Accessibility
• Respect
• Adaptability

Who We Are

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter; we’re a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.