Associate Director of Development

Associate Director of Development

Department: Development
Reports To: Development Director
Status: Exempt
Location: Bellevue, WA (Hybrid – approximately 2 days onsite per week)

Compensation: 100,000-125,000 Annually

About Seattle Humane

Seattle Humane strengthens the bond between people and pets through adoption, education, community programs, and compassionate care. As one of the Pacific Northwest's leading animal welfare organizations, Seattle Humane is guided by a bold strategic vision, ambitious growth goals, and a commitment to creating a more humane community for animals and the people who love them.

Position Summary

Seattle Humane seeks a collaborative, strategic, and relationship-centered fundraising leader to help advance our mission through transformational philanthropy, donor engagement, and team leadership.

As a member of the Development Leadership Team, the Associate Director of Development provides leadership for Seattle Humane's major gifts and planned giving programs. This individual directly leads a team of approximately three frontline fundraising professionals, including Major Gifts Officers and the Planned Giving Officer, while maintaining a select portfolio of major donors and prospects.

Success in this role will be measured by philanthropic growth, donor engagement, team development, operational effectiveness, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships that advance Seattle Humane's mission and strategic priorities.

The Associate Director partners closely with the Development Director, executive leadership, board members, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders to strengthen Seattle Humane's culture of philanthropy and long-term fundraising success.

We recognize that exceptional leaders come from many different professional, educational, volunteer, and lived experiences. If you are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply even if your background does not align perfectly with every experience listed below.

Team Structure

This position reports to the Development Director and serves as a member of the Development Leadership Team.

The Associate Director directly supervises at least three fundraising professionals, including Major Gifts Officers and the Planned Giving Officer, and collaborates closely with the Associate Director of Philanthropy to ensure the successful execution of fundraising strategies and initiatives. The role also collaborates closely with colleagues across annual giving, donor services, grants, events, finance, marketing, volunteer engagement, and executive leadership. 

What Success Looks Like

Philanthropic Growth & Engagement

• Build meaningful relationships with donors, supporters, volunteers, and community partners that increase engagement, retention, and philanthropic investment.


• Expand a sustainable pipeline of major gift and planned giving prospects that supports long-term organizational growth.


• Secure significant philanthropic investments that advance Seattle Humane's strategic priorities and mission impact.


• Own and manage portfolio including prospect management


• Foster a culture of philanthropy that deepens connection to Seattle Humane's work and inspires generosity.

Leadership & Organizational Impact

• Lead, coach, and support a team of approximately three frontline fundraising professionals.


• Foster a culture of belonging, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning where team members can thrive and grow professionally.


• Support hiring, onboarding, development, succession planning, and performance management efforts that strengthen team effectiveness and retention.


• Develop fundraising strategies, systems, and processes that strengthen donor engagement, improve performance, and support long-term sustainability.


• Use data, insights, and forecasting to guide decision-making and evaluate progress toward fundraising goals.


• Serve as a trusted partner to colleagues, board members, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure donor portfolios, fundraising activities, and relationship strategies are managed effectively and consistently.


• Promote strong stewardship practices, data integrity, and effective use of fundraising systems.


• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement that enhance fundraising effectiveness and donor experience.


• Represent Seattle Humane in ways that strengthen community engagement, philanthropic support, and organizational visibility.

What Will Help You Thrive

We recognize that successful leaders develop their skills through many different pathways. Experiences that may contribute to success include:

• Building relationships that generate engagement, philanthropy, partnerships, growth, or community impact.


• Leading people, projects, programs, initiatives, or organizational priorities with accountability for outcomes.


• Developing and implementing strategies that drive fundraising success, business development, partnership development, or mission advancement.


• Coaching, mentoring, and developing others.


• Working effectively across diverse communities, perspectives, and lived experiences.


• Using data, technology, and strategic thinking to inform decisions and improve outcomes.


• Collaborating with senior leaders, board members, volunteers, donors, community stakeholders, or other key partners.


• Managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication, organization, and follow-through.

There is no single educational or career pathway required for success in this role. We welcome candidates whose expertise has been developed through professional experience, higher education, military service, volunteer leadership, entrepreneurship, caregiving, advocacy, community organizing, certifications, training programs, lived experience, or other meaningful opportunities.

Additional Attributes We Value

• Relationship-centered leadership.


• Empathy, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment.


• Curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning.


• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.


• Inclusive leadership and cultural humility.


• Commitment to equity, accessibility, and belonging.


• Passion for Seattle Humane's mission and impact.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Seattle Humane is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all applicants and employees. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and during employment.

Individuals who can perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, are encouraged to apply.

Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging

Seattle Humane believes that diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives strengthen our organization and our ability to serve animals, people, and communities.

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees, volunteers, supporters, adopters, and community members experience respect, dignity, belonging, and equitable opportunity. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences and welcome candidates who may not see themselves reflected in every qualification listed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Seattle Humane is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, performance, organizational needs, and an individual's ability to contribute to Seattle Humane's mission and values..