Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving

About Us

The Seattle Public Library Foundation (SPLF) is a nationally recognized nonprofit partner to The Seattle Public Library. Since 1980, SPLF has generated more than $258 million in grants and endowments, supports more than 8,500 donors, and raises $5‑8 million annually to fund over 50 equity‑based programs and add 100,000 print and digital materials each year.

We help the Library achieve its goals of developing literacy, enriching the community with books and cultural programs, and empowering neighbors through classes, workshops and educational programs. Visit supportspl.org to learn more.

As Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving, you will lead efforts to inspire transformational giving, focusing on major gifts strategy and legacy philanthropy. You will manage a portfolio of 100‑150 high‑capacity donors (gifts $3,000+), guide outreach to foundations and corporate partners, and grow the Library’s donation volume by 50% by 2030.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, you will expand major and planned giving programs, steward the Legacy Society, and build a robust major‑donor pipeline. This role blends donor engagement, program development, and cross‑organizational collaboration to grow philanthropy and endowment support.

• Building meaningful relationships with donors who love libraries.
• Crafting compelling proposals and stewardship reports that show donors the impact of their giving.
• Supporting and growing our major giving program and Legacy Society—helping donors leave a lasting legacy through estate gifts.
• Collaborating with Library staff to identify exciting funding opportunities.
• Coaching board members and staff to become confident fundraising ambassadors.
• Leading high‑touch, low‑volume direct mail campaigns that inspire generosity.

In addition, you will partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to oversee grant and corporate giving strategies, collaborate with communications to create inspirational materials, and work with the database team to track trends, identify prospecting opportunities, and support major gift movements.

• A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) or related experience in the philanthropy sector.
• 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including significant experience in planned giving and major gifts leadership.
• Demonstrated success securing estate gifts, endowment commitments, and transformational philanthropy.
• Ability to engage high‑capacity donors, advisors, and families in complex philanthropic conversations.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to partner with and influence senior stakeholders and board members.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with fundraising databases and analytics to inform strategy (Raiser's Edge preferred).
• A collaborative and team‑oriented approach.
• Passion for libraries, access to knowledge, and community impact.

We offer an outstanding benefits package, a flexible hybrid work environment based at the Central Library, and a mission that matters: ensuring everyone in Seattle has access to library resources, programs, and opportunities they love.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage—100% employer paid.
• 401(k) with matching incentives up to 6%.
• Team bonuses based on board‑approved discretion.
• Health savings account with generous employer contribution.
• PTO: 15 paid days off, 12 paid holidays, floating holiday, and 12 days paid sick leave.
• Cell phone stipend.
• Regional ORCA pass.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment based at the Central Library.

Please include a cover letter (max 2 pages) and resume. For questions or to request accommodations, call  or email foundation. Salary: $100,000–$135,000 per year.