Sustainable Northwest is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Director to lead its fundraising and donor engagement efforts, offering a remote work arrangement for candidates based in the Seattle Metro area of Washington. The role focuses on securing the financial resources necessary to support the organization’s mission of fostering sustainable community development and climate resilience across the Northwest region.
Based on the organization’s current recruitment goals, the Senior Philanthropy Director will be responsible for diversifying revenue streams and managing high-level relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners. The position is designed to bridge the gap between the organization’s Portland-based operations and its strategic growth goals within the Washington state corridor.
Sustainable Northwest operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping rural communities in the Pacific Northwest transition to sustainable economic models. According to the Sustainable Northwest official website, the group emphasizes a “place-based” approach, combining technical assistance with financial tools to protect forests and promote local entrepreneurship.
Strategic Focus of the Senior Philanthropy Director Role
The primary objective for the Senior Philanthropy Director is the acceleration of philanthropic growth. The role requires a professional capable of designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s long-term vision. This includes the identification of new funding prospects and the stewardship of existing major gifts.
Because the position is remote from the Seattle Metro area, the director is expected to act as a regional ambassador. This geographic focus allows Sustainable Northwest to deepen its footprint in Washington, tapping into the philanthropic networks of the Puget Sound region to support projects that span across the border into Oregon and Idaho.
Key responsibilities typically associated with this level of leadership include:
- Developing a multi-year fundraising plan to ensure organizational stability.
- Managing a portfolio of major donors through personalized engagement and reporting.
- Collaborating with the executive team to translate programmatic needs into compelling funding proposals.
- Overseeing the grant-seeking process for institutional foundations.
Sustainable Northwest’s Regional Impact and Mission
The need for a Senior Philanthropy Director comes as Sustainable Northwest expands its efforts to combat climate change through community-led initiatives. The organization focuses on “regenerative” economics, which aims to keep wealth within local communities while restoring the natural environment.
Their work often involves supporting small-scale forestry, sustainable agriculture, and the development of community-owned energy projects. By securing more robust funding, the organization intends to scale these models to help rural towns adapt to the economic disruptions caused by climate shifts and industry declines.
The organization’s commitment to equity is a central pillar of its operational strategy. According to its public mission statements, Sustainable Northwest prioritizes partnerships with historically marginalized communities to ensure that the transition to a green economy is inclusive and does not leave rural populations behind.
Requirements for the Seattle Metro Remote Position
Candidates for the Senior Philanthropy Director position are expected to possess a proven track record in major gift solicitation and a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape in the Pacific Northwest. The organization seeks a leader who can operate independently while remaining integrated with the core team in Portland.
The remote nature of the role requires a high degree of digital fluency and the ability to maintain strong interpersonal connections without a centralized office. However, the “Seattle Metro” designation indicates that the candidate must be available for regional travel and in-person networking within the Washington state business and philanthropic communities.
Professional qualifications generally required for this tier of nonprofit leadership include:
- Extensive experience in professional fundraising or development.
- Demonstrated success in securing six- and seven-figure donations.
- Strong communication skills, particularly in storytelling and impact reporting.
- A commitment to the principles of environmental sustainability and social justice.
Prospective applicants can find detailed application instructions and the full job description on the Sustainable Northwest careers page.
The next step for interested candidates is to submit a formal application through the organization’s designated portal. Sustainable Northwest typically reviews applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
We invite readers to share this opportunity with qualified professionals in the Seattle area and leave comments regarding the growth of sustainable development in the Pacific Northwest.