Job Description

OUR STORY

The Seattle Public Library Foundation (SPLF) is recognized nationally as one of the leading public library foundations in the country. Serving as the nonprofit partner to The Seattle Public Library, the Foundation’s mission is to inspire philanthropic support, advocacy, and pride in library programs and services that benefit everyone in our community. Since its founding in 1980, SPLF has generated more than $256 million in grants and endowments to help the library expand its collections, offer innovative programs for people of all ages, and upgrade neighborhood libraries. Our team works with more than 8,000 loyal and active donors, with a 64% donor retention rate and raising $5-8 million annually. This critical funding supports over 50 equity-based programs valued at over $5.8M, and helps add more than 100,000 print and digital materials to the collection each year, equaling about a third of the books purchased by the library.

The Foundation supports the Seattle Public Library’s goals to develop all forms of literacy; enrich the community with access to books, cultural programs, and author events at safe and welcoming spaces; and empower our neighbors to achieve their life, career, and civic goals through classes, workshops, and educational programs. To learn more about The Seattle Public Library Foundation, please visit:

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

The Foundation’s culture is rooted in a deep love and appreciation for the library. While the library’s purpose provides the inspiration, we know that a successful and well-run organization must be people-centered. We offer team members the chance to grow professionally, are deeply collaborative, and value work/life balance. We create an environment where diverse voices and perspectives are valued, and everyone can make difference.

SPLF is governed by a passionate and dedicated 28-person volunteer board of directors. Our collaborative and high-performing team of nine staff members works in close coordination with Library staff and leadership, demonstrating a clear commitment to trust-based philanthropy.

The newly created role of Chief Philanthropy Officer will report to Brian Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of SPLF. He was named CEO in 2024 after serving as the Foundation’s Deputy Executive Director since 2017. Brian has spearheaded the Foundation’s fundraising campaigns, overseen key investments to grow library programs and collections, and strengthened partnerships with library staff and community organizations. He has played leadership roles in national library initiatives, including the Books Unbanned program.

Brian grew up in Michigan and worked in the auto racing industry before moving to Seattle. He obtained a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University and has worked for organizations including the Pacific Science Center, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Mockingbird Society. Brian lives in West Seattle, serves on the Seattle University Alumni Council, and enjoys reading (of course!) and recreating in the North Cascades.

VALUES

The Foundation is guided by the following values:

• Integrity – We operate with integrity to build trust and accountability.
• Partnership – We are stronger when we collaborate with others, and we strive for partnerships that deliver long-term value.
• Equity – We leverage our resources to build an equitable community.
• Diversity & Inclusion – We are strongest when our board, staff, and donor communities are vibrant and diverse.
• Innovation – We support innovation and embrace risk to learn and improve.
• Gratitude – We recognize and show gratitude to those who support and carry out the Library’s mission.
• Respect – We treat everyone with respect and kindness.

LOCATION

This is a hybrid position based at the SPLF office at 1000 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.

BENEFITS & FEATURES

• Salary: $145,000 - $170,000 DOE/Neg.
• Team bonuses available based on Board-approved discretion
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, 100% employer paid
• 401(k) with matching incentives up to 6%
• Health savings account with generous employer contribution
• PTO: Start with 15 paid days off, 12 paid holidays, floating holiday, 12 days paid sick leave
• Cell phone stipend
• Regional ORCA pass

POSITION SUMMARY

As we grow to meet the evolving needs of our community and to increase our fundraising capacity, we seek an inspiring and strategic leader to serve as the Foundation’s first ever Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO). This new leader will shape the future of our fundraising and development communications, ensuring the library continues to thrive as a vital resource for generations to come. The CPO will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive philanthropic strategy to grow our base of support, while ensuring that existing donors are thoughtfully stewarded. Reporting directly to the Foundation CEO, the CPO will lead a dynamic team of four to grow individual, corporate, and foundation giving while fostering a culture of philanthropy across our organization. The CPO will directly manage a portfolio of 75 to 100 donors, totaling about $1 million in annual revenue.

The position will serve on the Foundation’s senior leadership team, working closely with Seattle Public Library leadership and staff. The Foundation’s team size (9 staff total) necessitates that our ideal candidate both directs and performs the work while being adaptive to change. We seek a CPO who is a strategic thinker, a skilled relationship builder, and a passionate advocate for libraries and lifelong learning.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising plan aligned with the Foundation’s and Library’s strategic goals.
• Oversee all aspects of fundraising efforts, including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, special events, and stewardship events.
• Collaborate with the Foundation CEO, Board of Directors, and SPL Chief Librarian and leadership team to identify fundraising priorities and opportunities.
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy among staff, board members, and volunteers.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Build and nurture relationships with donors at all levels, prospects, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to increase the profile of the Foundation and demonstrate its impact.
• Maintain a portfolio of approximately 75 to 100 philanthropic donors who advance our mission in significant ways.
• Design and execute personalized cultivation and stewardship plans for donors assigned to portfolios, including those assigned to the CEO and the fundraising team.
• Ensure consistent communication with donors, highlighting the impact of their contributions.
• Develop compelling marketing case documents, collateral, and development communications that captivate donors and inspire philanthropic and advocate support.
• Engage and strategize with the Board of Directors to support their attainment of Board-led fundraising goals.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of development professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Set clear goals and key performance metrics for the philanthropy team, ensuring accountability and success.
• Serve on the Foundation’s leadership team and contribute to building a positive culture that ensures our values are practiced.

Community Outreach

• Serve as a visible and articulate spokesperson for SPLF, building awareness and enthusiasm for its mission.
• Represent SPLF at community events, networking opportunities, and public forums.
• Ability to create mutually beneficial partnerships with diverse community organizations to help expand our reach and impact.

Operations & Reporting

• Oversee the development and management of the annual fundraising budget.
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress and industry trends, providing regular updates to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Ensure compliance with all ethical and legal standards for fundraising.
• Evaluate fundraising systems and technology to ensure SPLF has the systems in place to support best-in-class fundraising, donor engagement, and compliance.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Strategic leader with a proven ability to set and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including leadership roles.
• Passion for libraries, literacy, and lifelong learning.
• Experience with the unique opportunities and challenges of working in a private-public partnership preferred.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant gifts, planned gifts, and corporate sponsorships.
• Exceptional relationship skills, with the ability to develop positive relationships that will grow over time.
• Track record of engaging with local communities with a reputation for authentic relationship building.
• Effective manager with experience in team building, training, and mentoring.
• Experience working with established and mature volunteer boards, including managing fundraising and/or event committees.
• Proven understanding and success in implementing direct mail efforts, digital marketing/fundraising, and mass-distribution campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor database management systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a talent for blending words and visuals to create strong calls to action.
• Utilizes data and evidence-based approaches to inform decision-making, track progress, and measure impact.
• Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends in support of donor and board events.

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