JOB DESCRIPTION: Associate Director of Development - Seattle
Northwest Maritime is seeking an experienced fundraising professional to join our Development team. The Associate Director of Development - Seattle will focus on developing and deepening donor and funder relationships in and around the greater Seattle area to secure significant philanthropic support for our mission and programs. This is a relationship-driven role for someone who brings both strategic vision and genuine enthusiasm for connecting people to a cause.
We love working with team members who are authentic, creative, and fun to be around, while also being professional and collaborative. We look for people with a strong work ethic and who possess excellent communication and critical thinking skills. You are the kind of person who finds joy in building lasting relationships in the service of something they believe in.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research, identify, and cultivate potential donors and funders through personalized engagement strategies, including high-touch communications, donor events, and impact reporting
- Personally solicit and steward major donors and funders, maintaining strong and trusted long-term relationships
- Partner with NWM’s executive leadership in relationship management and major gift strategies to support all our activities, including education, events, and campus activities
- Support board members’ and volunteers’ fundraising and donor stewardship activities
- Work closely with Grants Manager and Corporate Partnerships Manager to develop and expand institutional relationships and increase philanthropic and sponsorship support
- Review and edit grant applications and any other types of communication when needed
- Work with Senior Philanthropy Advisor to encourage and facilitate planned giving
- Support the planning and implementation of donor and community events in Port Townsend, Seattle, and other communities we serve
- Collaborate across teams to build community awareness and understanding of Northwest Maritime’s activities and programs
- Represent the organization to maritime industry partners and in the broader community
- Other duties as assigned
GENERAL OPERATIONS
While the primary focus of this position is resource development, the Associate Director of Development - Seattle works as part of the entire NWM team, ensuring smooth operations. As a growing non-profit, we all pitch in for the heavy lifting, whether it's participating in all-hands projects and events, assisting visitors, or occasionally doing some literal heavy lifting.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - At least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, with proven success in major gifts and/or grants
- Experience working with executive leadership and nonprofit boards
- Demonstrated skill in maintaining and building positive, trusting relationships with external and internal constituencies
- Highly proficient in written communication, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support
- Experience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, particularly of that related to private donor information and internal philanthropic strategies
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage several tasks concurrently and efficiently, and the ability to meet multiple deadlines
- Comfortable functioning both independently and as part of collaborative team
- A genuine and enthusiastic interest in Northwest Maritime’s mission and programs
HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS - Proficient with Google Suite
- Experience with Salesforce NPSP
- Experience with prospect research tools such as DonorSearch
- Familiarity with Puget Sound area philanthropic community
APPLICATION PROCESS - Submit your resume and cover letter with the online application.
- Deadline for applications: Open until filled, application review begins June 26, 2026.
WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE - The position will be primarily remote, but includes regular visits to donors and funders in and around the Seattle area, some event presence, and periodic in-person meetings in Port Townsend
- NWM main offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368
- Position is full-time, 40 hours/week
- Reports to: Director of Development
WAGE RANGE & BENEFITS - $81,000 - $85,000 annually, exempt
- 100% company paid Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance + contributions to HSA account
- Matching contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement fund after 1 year of employment
- Paid time off: accrues 2 weeks of vacation per year, 17 paid holidays in a calendar year, & 1 hour of sick time accrued for every 25 hours worked
- Flexible schedule & employee discounts
- Full details on benefits
NWM is committed to equal employment opportunity. We value the diversity of our staff and the communities that we serve, which includes a spectrum of racial, cultural, religious, sexual and gender identities, and abilities. We strongly encourage applications from people who have not seen themselves represented in the industry.
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