Associate Director of Development- Seattle

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.