Northwest Harvest
Overview
The Senior Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in co-creating and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with Northwest Harvests commitment to being purpose-driven, antiracist, connected to communities, and interwoven with the communities we serve. Using data-driven metrics, this position will manage a diverse portfolio of major gifts and planned giving donors and prospects, with an emphasis on building authentic, long-term relationships grounded in shared values and community impact. The Senior Philanthropy Officer will collaborate closely with the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Director of Community Philanthropy and members of the philanthropy team to create and implement strategies that engage donors in meaningful, values-based ways. This role advances the mission and fosters partnerships that are mutually supportive, ensuring fundraising is inclusive, equitable, and prioritizes collective action. The Senior Philanthropy Officer contributes to Northwest Harvests goal of reducing hunger by half by 2028 by building and stewarding relationships with donors passionate about food justice, securing transformational gifts, and advancing strategic philanthropic partnerships that sustain and expand impact. This role champions innovation by supporting strategy-aligned initiatives and cultivating a collaborative environment within the Community Philanthropy team guided by Northwest Harvests PACI framework (Purpose-Driven, Anti-Racist, Connected and Interwoven). Schedule
This position requires active engagement by being in the community onsite 80% of the time and allows for occasional remote work. Travel
Be responsive and adaptive to opportunities throughout Washington (WA). This can include local travel and occasional travel to Eastern and Western WA. Responsibilities Cultivation and Solicitation of Planned and Major Gifts Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that integrates major gifts and planned giving efforts, including blended gifts and multi-year pledges, aligned with the organizations mission and PACI framework. Build and manage a diverse donor portfolio. Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy Create a cohesive plan that integrates major gifts and planned giving efforts with support from the Philanthropy Officer, ensuring alignment with mission, purpose-driven focus, and antiracist, community-centered values. Build and Manage a Diverse Donor Portfolio Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major gift and planned giving prospects and donors, fostering long-term relationships that reflect Northwest Harvests values. Engage regularly with prospects, prioritizing virtual and face-to-face meetings to advance donor cultivation. Collaborate Across Teams to Advance Organizational Goals Work with the Director of Community Philanthropy and staff to develop donor strategies emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and organizational priorities; ensure an integrated fundraising approach. Foster Inclusive and Equitable Donor Engagement Develop outreach strategies that prioritize inclusivity and equity, ensuring engagement opportunities are accessible and representative of diverse communities. Manage Planned Giving Online Infrastructure Oversee digital engagement and inquiries generated through planned giving newsletters and the planned giving website. Ensure timely follow-up, track donor interactions, and optimize content to improve donor experience and outreach. Track engagement in CRM/Salesforce. Safeguard NWH Assets and Reputation Represent the agency professionally in communities served; stay informed about strategic priorities and gift opportunities to align donor interests with NWHs work. People Management & Leadership Foster healthy, collaborative relationships with direct reports; lead through influence; supervise, develop, and hold accountable philanthropy staff; oversee program budgets and ensure alignment with strategies and annual plans. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Philanthropy
Equity and Inclusion
Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency, and understanding of oppression and its impact. Participate in intentional learning efforts related to dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency. Relationships
Internal:
Frequent, respectful contact with leadership and staff; present accurate donor information in a professional format; communicate daily to ask questions and provide information. External:
Regular, respectful contact with current and prospective donors, NWH board members, and other stakeholders; exercise sensitivity, courtesy, confidentiality in all interactions. Minimum Qualifications
A combination of real-life experience, education, and training providing an equivalent background to perform the work of this position. Successful completion of a background check is required. Knowledge of:
Planned giving vehicles (estate gifts, trusts, IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, foundations), portfolio management, tax laws related to planned giving, and best practices; donor relationship management; community-centric fundraising; current planned giving trends; general fundraising best practices; familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred); awareness of the philanthropic landscape in Washington. Ability To
Understand poverty and food insecurity; commit to equity and inclusion for historically marginalized groups; manage and motivate a team; establish and maintain effective relationships; demonstrate integrity and confidentiality; communicate effectively; problem-solve; cultivate diverse relationships; adapt strategies as needed. Equity and Connectedness:
Apply the PACI model; promote collaboration internally and externally; communicate NWHs mission and equity work effectively; maintain professionalism with tact and confidentiality; manage multiple projects with a can-do attitude. Education and Training
Bachelors degree in philanthropy, business, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Commitment to life-long learning. Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising or related fields, including experience in planned gifts and at least two (2) years of people management experience. Desired Qualifications
Nonprofit experience is desirable but not required. Additional language skills are a plus but not required. Disclaimer
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities can change to meet mission goals. Benefits and Other Compensation
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, long-term disability, Life/AD&D, EAP, 401(k) with company matching, vacation and sick leave, 8 paid holidays, floating holidays, and birthday holiday. Eligible for payroll-deducted supplemental benefits such as FSA/HSA and additional plans. #J-18808-Ljbffr
The Senior Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in co-creating and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with Northwest Harvests commitment to being purpose-driven, antiracist, connected to communities, and interwoven with the communities we serve. Using data-driven metrics, this position will manage a diverse portfolio of major gifts and planned giving donors and prospects, with an emphasis on building authentic, long-term relationships grounded in shared values and community impact. The Senior Philanthropy Officer will collaborate closely with the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Director of Community Philanthropy and members of the philanthropy team to create and implement strategies that engage donors in meaningful, values-based ways. This role advances the mission and fosters partnerships that are mutually supportive, ensuring fundraising is inclusive, equitable, and prioritizes collective action. The Senior Philanthropy Officer contributes to Northwest Harvests goal of reducing hunger by half by 2028 by building and stewarding relationships with donors passionate about food justice, securing transformational gifts, and advancing strategic philanthropic partnerships that sustain and expand impact. This role champions innovation by supporting strategy-aligned initiatives and cultivating a collaborative environment within the Community Philanthropy team guided by Northwest Harvests PACI framework (Purpose-Driven, Anti-Racist, Connected and Interwoven). Schedule
This position requires active engagement by being in the community onsite 80% of the time and allows for occasional remote work. Travel
Be responsive and adaptive to opportunities throughout Washington (WA). This can include local travel and occasional travel to Eastern and Western WA. Responsibilities Cultivation and Solicitation of Planned and Major Gifts Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that integrates major gifts and planned giving efforts, including blended gifts and multi-year pledges, aligned with the organizations mission and PACI framework. Build and manage a diverse donor portfolio. Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy Create a cohesive plan that integrates major gifts and planned giving efforts with support from the Philanthropy Officer, ensuring alignment with mission, purpose-driven focus, and antiracist, community-centered values. Build and Manage a Diverse Donor Portfolio Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major gift and planned giving prospects and donors, fostering long-term relationships that reflect Northwest Harvests values. Engage regularly with prospects, prioritizing virtual and face-to-face meetings to advance donor cultivation. Collaborate Across Teams to Advance Organizational Goals Work with the Director of Community Philanthropy and staff to develop donor strategies emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and organizational priorities; ensure an integrated fundraising approach. Foster Inclusive and Equitable Donor Engagement Develop outreach strategies that prioritize inclusivity and equity, ensuring engagement opportunities are accessible and representative of diverse communities. Manage Planned Giving Online Infrastructure Oversee digital engagement and inquiries generated through planned giving newsletters and the planned giving website. Ensure timely follow-up, track donor interactions, and optimize content to improve donor experience and outreach. Track engagement in CRM/Salesforce. Safeguard NWH Assets and Reputation Represent the agency professionally in communities served; stay informed about strategic priorities and gift opportunities to align donor interests with NWHs work. People Management & Leadership Foster healthy, collaborative relationships with direct reports; lead through influence; supervise, develop, and hold accountable philanthropy staff; oversee program budgets and ensure alignment with strategies and annual plans. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Philanthropy
Equity and Inclusion
Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency, and understanding of oppression and its impact. Participate in intentional learning efforts related to dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency. Relationships
Internal:
Frequent, respectful contact with leadership and staff; present accurate donor information in a professional format; communicate daily to ask questions and provide information. External:
Regular, respectful contact with current and prospective donors, NWH board members, and other stakeholders; exercise sensitivity, courtesy, confidentiality in all interactions. Minimum Qualifications
A combination of real-life experience, education, and training providing an equivalent background to perform the work of this position. Successful completion of a background check is required. Knowledge of:
Planned giving vehicles (estate gifts, trusts, IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, foundations), portfolio management, tax laws related to planned giving, and best practices; donor relationship management; community-centric fundraising; current planned giving trends; general fundraising best practices; familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred); awareness of the philanthropic landscape in Washington. Ability To
Understand poverty and food insecurity; commit to equity and inclusion for historically marginalized groups; manage and motivate a team; establish and maintain effective relationships; demonstrate integrity and confidentiality; communicate effectively; problem-solve; cultivate diverse relationships; adapt strategies as needed. Equity and Connectedness:
Apply the PACI model; promote collaboration internally and externally; communicate NWHs mission and equity work effectively; maintain professionalism with tact and confidentiality; manage multiple projects with a can-do attitude. Education and Training
Bachelors degree in philanthropy, business, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Commitment to life-long learning. Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising or related fields, including experience in planned gifts and at least two (2) years of people management experience. Desired Qualifications
Nonprofit experience is desirable but not required. Additional language skills are a plus but not required. Disclaimer
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities can change to meet mission goals. Benefits and Other Compensation
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, long-term disability, Life/AD&D, EAP, 401(k) with company matching, vacation and sick leave, 8 paid holidays, floating holidays, and birthday holiday. Eligible for payroll-deducted supplemental benefits such as FSA/HSA and additional plans. #J-18808-Ljbffr