Associate Director of DevelopmentSeattle 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 ResponsibilitiesResearch, identify, and cultivate potential donors and funders through personalized engagement strategies, including high-touch communications, donor events, and impact reportingPersonally solicit and steward major donors and funders, maintaining strong and trusted long-term relationshipsPartner with NWM's executive leadership in relationship management and major gift strategies to support all our activities, including education, events, and campus activitiesSupport board members' and volunteers' fundraising and donor stewardship activitiesWork closely with Grants Manager and Corporate Partnerships Manager to develop and expand institutional relationships and increase philanthropic and sponsorship supportReview and edit grant applications and any other types of communication when neededWork with Senior Philanthropy Advisor to encourage and facilitate planned givingSupport the planning and implementation of donor and community events in Port Townsend, Seattle, and other communities we serveCollaborate across teams to build community awareness and understanding of Northwest Maritime's activities and programsRepresent the organization to maritime industry partners and in the broader communityOther duties as assignedGeneral OperationsWhile 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 QualificationsAt least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, with proven success in major gifts and/or grantsExperience working with executive leadership and nonprofit boardsDemonstrated skill in maintaining and building positive, trusting relationships with external and internal constituenciesHighly proficient in written communication, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for supportExperience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systemAbility to maintain confidentiality, particularly of that related to private donor information and internal philanthropic strategiesStrong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage several tasks concurrently and efficiently, and the ability to meet multiple deadlinesComfortable functioning both independently and as part of collaborative teamA genuine and enthusiastic interest in Northwest Maritime's mission and programsHelpful QualificationsProficient with Google SuiteExperience with Salesforce NPSPExperience with prospect research tools such as DonorSearchFamiliarity with Puget Sound area philanthropic communityApplication ProcessSubmit your resume and cover letter with the online application.Deadline for applications: Open until filled, application review begins June 26, 2026.Work Location & ScheduleThe 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 TownsendNWM main offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368Position is full-time, 40 hours/weekReports to: Director of DevelopmentWage Range & Benefits$81,000 - $85,000 annually, exempt100% company paid Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance + contributions to HSA accountMatching contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement fund after 1 year of employmentPaid 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 workedFlexible schedule & employee discountsFull details on benefitsNWM 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.