Senior Development Officer (Program Specialist 5)

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) in Spokane, WA seeks a Senior Development Officer to lead major gifts $5,000+ and Legacy Society. You will manage a 50–100 donor portfolio, guide strategy with the Chief Development Officer, and collaborate with marketing to advance fundraising goals.

You will cultivate high-net-worth prospects, oversee pipeline development, perform donor visits, and ensure accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• CFRE certification within 18 months of appointment (agency provides)
• Experience securing significant financial commitments (major gifts, grants, sponsorships)
• Experience managing a portfolio of relationships or projects
• Experience using donor/customer CRM or fundraising software to track interactions and pipelines
• Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans using data and analytics

Responsibilities

• Secure major gifts of $5,000+ from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Manage a portfolio of 50–100 qualified major and planned giving prospects
• Lead prospect research and qualification to build a robust donor pipeline
• Collaborate with Chief Development Officer, Executive Director, and marketing on strategy and messaging
• Conduct donor visits and maintain accurate interaction reports

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relations

Portfolio management

CRM proficiency

Communication skills

CFRE awareness

Tools

CRM systems

Versai software

Job description

Senior Development Officer (Program Specialist 5)

Monday - Friday | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | ON-SITE

Who We Are:

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) seeks to engage our audiences in the appreciation of art, history, and culture of the Inland Northwest and beyond, through collection stewardship, exhibitions and programs that enrich and inspire. Established in 1916, the MAC is the oldest cultural organization in Spokane, Washington, and serves over 100,000 visitors each year from around the region. The museum collections contain over 63,000 objects, including the largest known collection of Plateau tribes art and artifacts.

About the Opportunity:

As the Senior Development Officer (SDO), you will play a pivotal role in driving the museum’s sustainability by leading the major gift ($5,000+) and Legacy Society planned giving programs. Working in close collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and Executive Director, you will exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority to build, cultivate, and steward a dedicated portfolio of 50–100 high-wealth prospects and donors. In this multifaceted position, you will oversee program strategy, manage complex fundraising initiatives, lead pipeline development, and professionally represent the MAC to expand key community and partner relationships in support of our mission.

Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:

• Secure major gifts of $5,000 or more from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations to support institutional priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of 50–100 qualified major and planned giving prospects through personalized cultivation, solicitations, and long-term stewardship strategies.
• Lead prospect research and qualification efforts to continuously build a robust major donor pipeline.
• Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer, Executive Director, and marketing team to align overall fundraising strategy and donor messaging.
• Conduct donor visits, maintain accurate interaction reports, and professionally represent the MAC to enhance its reputation.
• Support broader development initiatives, campaigns, and special events to ensure sustainable, long‑term support for the museum’s mission.
• Direct and grow the museum’s planned giving and Legacy Society programs to secure long‑term support.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to strategize, qualify, and engage prospective donors through targeted activities and programs.
• Assist Development Department events, such as ArtFest, exhibition receptions, donor cultivation events, the annual Gala, etc.
• Other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Agreement to attain Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification within 18 months of appointment (agency will provide).
• Experience securing significant financial commitments or comparable outcomes (e.g., major gifts, grants, sponsorships, or revenue targets).
• Experience managing a portfolio of relationships or projects, including balancing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Experience using donor or customer relationship management systems (CRM) or fundraising software to track interactions, manage pipelines, and support fundraising strategy.
• Ability:
  • Develop, research, and execute strategic plans for fundraising, using data to analyze prospects and track progress toward organizational goals.
  • Build, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with donors, external partners, and diverse community members through clear, persuasive communication.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with colleagues, leadership, and partners to align strategies, coordinate events, and drive shared engagement initiatives.
  • Demonstrate personal adaptability, proactively learn systems, solve problems, and advocate for inclusion while taking ownership of professional growth.

Preferred Qualification:

• Fundraising experience with high-wealth individuals.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
• Experience using Versai software.

Opportunity for All:

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Background Check Notice:

Prior to any new appointment into the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC), a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.