Development Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

About the Foundation

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation (GGHF) is a community foundation dedicated to strengthening Washington state's greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region through collaborative philanthropy, civic leadership, and strategic investment in programs, services, grants, and scholarships that enhance quality of life. Established in 2006, the Foundation partners with individuals, families, corporations, agencies, and organizations to build a vibrant, resilient, and connected community. Together, these partners have created more than two dozen philanthropic funds, enabling the Foundation to invest more than $24 million in assets over the past 20 years to support local projects, programs, and initiatives across five core focus areas: environment, education, health, arts & culture, and community. Through philanthropy, resource coordination, and leadership on key community issues and needs, GGHF strives to enhance the lives of all residents today and for future generations.

Overview

The Assistant Development Officer is a 0.75 FTE, on‐site role that plays a pivotal part in advancing the Foundation’s mission by supporting day‐to‐day fundraising operations, donor stewardship, grants, events, and strategic initiatives. This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, a genuine enthusiasm for fundraising, and strong relationship‐building skills to cultivate meaningful connections with donors, partners, and community stakeholders. The Assistant Development Officer manages core development activities — including donor cultivation and stewardship, annual and planned giving coordination, grant support, campaign and event organization, database management, and development communications — while contributing strategic insight to strengthen and expand the Foundation’s impact. Working closely with leadership, program staff, and community partners, this position offers significant growth potential and a clear pathway for advancement within nonprofit development as the Foundation continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Manage donor acknowledgment and stewardship processes, including timely thank‐you letters, reports, and follow‐up communications.
• Maintain accurate donor records in the Foundation’s CRM/database, including gifts, pledges, contacts, and meeting notes.
• Manage donor and alumni databases using CRM software, ensuring accurate data collection, segmentation, and reporting.
• Cultivate relationships with donors through personalized communication, donor stewardship activities, and major gift solicitation efforts.
• Prepare donor briefings, meeting materials, and background research.
• Support stewardship activities for individual donors, sponsors, and fundholders.
• Assist with opening and closing donor funds.

Fundraising & Development Support

• Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, including logistics, promotion, and donor engagement strategies.
• Assist with the planning design and implementation of annual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, event and capital campaign activities.
• Track fundraising progress, pledges, deliverables, and donor commitments.
• Prepare internal summaries, donor lists, and development reports for leadership, Board, and Capital Campaign committees.
• Support coordination with Board and Committees involved in fundraising and event efforts.
• Provide warm, professional support to donors, partners, and visitors.

Events & Community Engagement

• Support planning and execution of fundraising and community events, including sponsorship tracking, guest lists, materials, and follow‐up.
• Develop compelling email marketing campaigns to promote events, campaigns, and organizational updates.
• Coordinate digital marketing initiatives across social media platforms and websites to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Coordinate volunteers, vendors, and internal staff for development-related events.
• Assist with processing online RSVPs and event communications.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Provide administrative and research support for grant applications and reports.
• Track grant deadlines, requirements, and reporting schedules.
• Help compile materials needed for grant submissions and compliance.

Administrative & Systems Support

• Maintain organized digital and physical development files.
• Document preparation, and scheduling related to development activities.
• Assist with communications coordination (email, mailings, giving pages, online platforms).
• Assure accuracy in gift processing, reconciliation, and fundholder transactions.
• Achieve proficiency in CRM systems used for development functions.
• Assist with budget tracking for fundraising projects and prepare reports on campaign performance metrics.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience in event planning, digital marketing, or nonprofit development roles.
• Professional, discreet, and donor-centered approach to work.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Neon One, DonorPerfect, etc.); database management, spreadsheets, and standard office systems experience is essential.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation.

Preferred

• 1–3 years of experience in development, fundraising, or related roles within nonprofit or community organizations.
• Experience with annual giving and fundraising for campaigns, events, and donor stewardship practices.
• Familiarity with planned giving and philanthropy to support long-term donor engagement and legacy giving initiatives.
• Experience working with volunteers, boards, and community partners.
• Interest in growing a career in nonprofit development or philanthropy.
• Knowledge of nonprofit industry e.g., grant writing, major gift cultivation, planned giving strategies, and estate planning concepts like wills and trusts.
• Experience with donor relationship management, including CRM or donor database systems, is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and work effectively in a community-focused nonprofit environment is advantageous.
• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience, is beneficial.

Join us in making a meaningful difference in our community. This role offers a unique opportunity to deepen your skills in nonprofit development and while making a difference through innovative projects and programs. The Assistant Development Director will play an important part in expanding the Foundation’s impact. This position offers clear potential for increased responsibility and advancement. If you’re passionate about building relationships, supporting community initiatives, and helping strengthen a mission‐driven organization, we’d love to hear from you.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $49,000–$57,500 annually, based on 0.75 FTE (30–35 hours/week) and dependent on experience (DOE).

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible scheduling within standard business hours
• Education stipend and professional development support
• Employee discounts on select Foundation programs and events

Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter that highlights their experience, passion for community impact, and interest in joining the Foundation’s development team.

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

About the Foundation

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation (GGHF) is a community foundation dedicated to strengthening Washington state's greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region through collaborative philanthropy, civic leadership, and strategic investment in programs, services, grants, and scholarships that enhance quality of life. Established in 2006, the Foundation partners with individuals, families, corporations, agencies, and organizations to build a vibrant, resilient, and connected community. Together, these partners have created more than two dozen philanthropic funds, enabling the Foundation to invest more than $24 million in assets over the past 20 years to support local projects, programs, and initiatives across five core focus areas: environment, education, health, arts & culture, and community. Through philanthropy, resource coordination, and leadership on key community issues and needs, GGHF strives to enhance the lives of all residents today and for future generations.