Director of Philanthropy

RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION

Deadline to apply is January 6, 2026.

BACKGROUND

REST exists to expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope in order to end sex trafficking. REST offers programs that are centered on the strengths, needs and individual choices of each survivor we serve. We offer a continuum of care that includes outreach, a 24/7 hotline, community advocates, economic empowerment, emergency shelter, and housing services. We are inspired by our faith as a Christian organization, are dedicated to serving people of all faith backgrounds, and do not require faith engagement. Our culture is influenced by our values of belonging, honor, trustworthiness, and tenacity.  

All applicants for positions at REST are considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. As a Christian organization, this position works in harmony with the organization’s statement of faith and supports the spiritual health of the organization.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director of Philanthropy is a systems-thinker that is responsible for the Philanthropy and successful implementation of REST’s fundraising strategy.  This role also supervises the Philanthropy Manager. REST’s Philanthropy philosophy sees strong donor relationships as a cornerstone, always showing care and appreciation for all gifts and sharing the impact donors’ investments have had on the people REST serves. This role solicits, stewards, and cultivates a portfolio of donors and prospects based on targeted strategies resulting in gift closures at maximum levels of support. The director ensures that program objectives, including revenue goals, are met based on the strategic plan, the mission of the organization, and the organization’s budget.

This Director of Philanthropy is part of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO, and collaborates with all department leaders to ensure that REST’s operations and services are sustainable, appropriately resourced, fiscally sound, transparent, and in keeping with REST’s values. This role is key to helping the CEO and Board of Directors understand the organization’s financial position and advises on long-term revenue generation strategies related to donations from individual, businesses, and faith communities.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Supports the CEO and other organizational department leaders in planning, delivering, and resourcing our services and projects in order to achieve REST’s mission, organizational goals, and strategic plan.
• Uphold and model REST’s organizational values: Honor, Belonging, Trustworthiness, and Tenacity, as well as REST’s Statement of Faith.
• Model mission-driven leadership focused on achieving results across the organization and within the broader anti-trafficking movement.
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Department Leadership

• Translate the overall vision for REST into a shared vision for the Philanthropy team.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO to define and set the short and long-term strategic objectives for the Philanthropy team in accordance with the organization’s Board-approved budget, strategic plan and performance measures.
• Cast a vision in alignment in the organization’s vision; work collaboratively to design and deliver strategies to meet and exceed REST’s revenue goals.
• Build and support a cohesive, high-performance team that is focused on achieving excellent results and modeling REST’s values.
• Ensure department budget is effectively managed.
• Provide on-going coaching to department members, conduct written performance evaluations with 360 feedback per REST’s personnel policy.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for REST at events, presentations, and community engagements.  

Planning and Evaluation

• Establish sub-measures to support the Philanthropy department in understanding of how well we are achieving our strategic objectives (objectives are established in REST’s 5-year strategic plan).
• Ensure Philanthropy department reporting requirements are met, including contributing to Board reports, grant reports, quarterly impact reports, financial audits, etc.

Delivery

• Strategies: Develop and lead donor pipeline building strategies for faith communities, businesses, and individuals, from prospecting through to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Ensure the implementation of a consistent donor stewardship strategy, including benefit fulfillment and acknowledgments. Develop and execute strategies for growing awareness within the community, expanding and diversifying the organization's funder base, and growing the active donor every year.
• Revenue Responsibility and Analysis: Set and assume revenue responsibility for annual revenue projections for individuals, businesses, and faith communities. Oversee the Philanthropy team’s data analysis, Salesforce database management, and ensure accurate Philanthropy reporting systems are in place.
• Fundraising Collateral: In collaboration with the Communications team, oversee the production of compelling fundraising materials, including proposals, case statements, and impact reports, tailored to resonate with various donor segments.
• Donor Communication: Effectively articulate the organization's mission, vision, and impact through presentations, written materials, and networking events. Guide and support the CEO and Board as ambassadors for the organization.
• Event Planning: Plan and implement fundraising events in collaboration with the Board of Directors, the Philanthropy team, volunteers, and internal and external partners, ensuring alignment with overall fundraising strategy and goals.
• Philanthropy Team Leadership and Management: Supervise and mentor the Philanthropy team staff, setting professional Philanthropy targets and fostering an understanding of philanthropy across the organization. Manage departmental budgets and oversee Philanthropy reporting systems.
• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board of Directors, senior leadership team, and communications team on fundraising strategies, policies, and procedures. Remain current with fundraising trends and develop opportunities to promote the mission and brand within the community.
• Lead system and process improvement in the Philanthropy area as REST grows to help our systems grow with the organization’s needs and complexity.
• Develop and implement an annual calendar to support timely completion of essential philanthropy projects and events and to coordinate work across the organization, including the Board.
• Contribute to the improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization, including through creating sub measures and goals for the Philanthropy department.
• Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on all Philanthropy matters; coach and mentor other department leaders in understanding the role of Philanthropy.
• Serve as a proactive, key advisor to the Board and CEO on Philanthropy activities.
• Support volunteer engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals and organizational needs.  
• Support initiatives to convert volunteers and gift-in-kind donors to financial supporters.  

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or another related field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gifts and donor relations.  
• Experience with strategies planning and budget management
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Alignment with the REST values of Belonging, Trustworthiness, Tenacity, and Honor

Preferred:

• CFRE Certification or equivalent professional credential
• Familiarity with planned giving strategies
• Experience managing donor databases and online giving platforms (Salesforce)

SCHEDULE

This position typically works 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with flexible hours. On-call and outside hours may be required. Some holidays may be required. Travel is required.

LOCATION

REST’s office is located in South Seattle. This position can be performed remotely, with the exception of in-person events and donor meetings.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $108,000-$118,000 annually. REST has adopted a salary scale as part of its compensation plan. A range indicates the intention to accommodate those with varying years of relevant experience, as determined by the salary scale.

BENEFITS

This position is eligible for all benefits offered to full–time exempt employees. This currently starts at up to 15 days (120 hours) of accrued vacation, 10 days of accrued sick time, 12 holidays, 100% employer-paid medical/dental/vision premiums for the employee, one paid mental health hour each week, and a 403B retirement plan.

JOB CONDITIONS

This position encounters a variety of daily work situations, including complex situations that require immediate attention and decision-making. There may be both routine and complex interpersonal interactions to navigate with care and thoughtfulness. Processes may change based on changing needs of the organization, new technology, or new ideas for efficiency. Position operates as part of a team and engages in on-site and remote work that may require time spent sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs, driving, transporting items. Position works under occasional time constraints to meet objectives, and performs computer work, including using a keyboard, looking at a screen, using the internet, email, phone, and video conferencing.