VP, Breakthrough Philanthropy & Major Gifts

Ladders; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 sick days

10 U.S. holidays

20–25 days PTO

Medical, dental & vision

403(b) with employer match

Job summary

Ladders is seeking an accomplished executive to lead breakthrough partnerships and foundations from Seattle. You will shape philanthropic strategy, translate program outcomes into compelling donor narratives, and drive major gifts with cross-functional collaboration.

The role requires building long-term donor relationships, representing the organization at philanthropic forums, and guiding external messaging to secure transformative support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 15+ years of major gift fundraising or strategic relationship development.
• Track record of closing private transformational gifts or partnerships at $50M+.
• Deep knowledge of philanthropic ecosystems, especially AI and technology sectors.
• Ability to translate complex programmatic content into donor narratives.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a pipeline of $100M+ multi-year philanthropic prospects.
• Develop tailored pitches for significant prospects using programmatic impact evidence.
• Foster relationships with effective altruism and cost-efficiency networks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve donor-facing narratives and strategies.
• Contribute to long-range fundraising strategy and represent the organization externally.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Gifts closing at $50M+

AI/Tech philanthropy

Donor narrative storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Ladders is seeking an accomplished executive to lead breakthrough partnerships and foundations from Seattle. You will shape philanthropic strategy, translate program outcomes into compelling donor narratives, and drive major gifts with cross-functional collaboration.

The role requires building long-term donor relationships, representing the organization at philanthropic forums, and guiding external messaging to secure transformative support.