Associate VP of Major Gifts

Associate VP of Major Gifts Scion Staffing – Seattle, WA

Akin is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families across Washington state. Akin’s core values include
1) advocating for and alongside families,
2) cultivating relationships that foster belonging,
3) committing to their work and their communities, and
4) believing in audacious change and intentional transformation.

The Associate Vice President of Major Gifts (AVP‑MG) serves as a key fundraising leader and trusted partner to the Vice President of Philanthropy, driving transformational giving that fuels Akin’s mission and strategic vision. Responsible for securing major philanthropic investments of $25,000 to $1,000,000 and above, the AVP‑MG cultivates meaningful relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors whose values align with Akin’s bold goals for impact.

• Manage a portfolio of 100–125 major donors and prospects capable of transformational giving ($25K–$1M+).
• Achieve annual fundraising goals aligned with Akin’s strategic plan and comprehensive campaign.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects through in‑person, virtual, and written engagement.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor activity in Virtuous (or successor CRM), ensuring all follow‑up tasks are completed promptly.
• Provide personalized follow‑up and acknowledgment to every donor within two business days of contact or inquiry.
• Engage donors and prospects across Washington State, focusing on strengthening relationships and building new networks.

• Develop and implement individualized donor engagement strategies that connect Akin’s mission and goals to donor passions.
• Conduct meaningful donor meetings (virtual and in‑person) with thorough preparation and thoughtful follow‑through.
• Lead or support donor events, briefings, and salons that deepen engagement and inspire investment in Akin’s work.
• Collaborate with program, communications, and events teams to design compelling donor experiences and materials.
• Deliver timely and personalized stewardship through thank‑you calls, handwritten notes, and impact reports.

• Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy and President/CEO on high‑level solicitations and campaign strategy.
• Provide strategic direction for major gift pipeline development, including identifying and qualifying new prospects.
• Collaborate across philanthropy programs, annual, corporate, and planned giving to ensure cohesive donor engagement.
• Serve as a mentor and thought partner to philanthropy team members, fostering shared learning and a culture of excellence in donor engagement.
• Build strong relationships with organizational and program leaders to stay informed about Akin’s initiatives and impact.

• Partner with the events team to attract new corporate partners and enhance workplace giving.
• Identify and cultivate corporate and foundation funders aligned with Akin’s strategic priorities.
• Support annual and community giving initiatives that serve as pathways to major gifts.

• Engage in professional development opportunities, conferences, and sector learning to stay current and inspired.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team culture.
• Model Akin’s values of equity, belonging, and community in all relationships and communications.
• Participate actively in organization‑wide fundraising activities, events, and learning opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• At least 5 years of progressive fundraising and donor portfolio management experience.
• A record of securing major gifts, including five‑ and six‑figure commitments, preferred.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Skilled at translating complex programmatic work into compelling donor stories and investment opportunities.
• Highly organized, with sound…