Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Philanthropy Director
at Sustainable Northwest
🏢 About Sustainable Northwest
Sustainable Northwest is a unique environmental nonprofit that works at the intersection of conservation, community, and economy, partnering with rural communities and Tribal Nations to advance solutions for water, energy, and forests. Unlike traditional advocacy groups, they focus on collaborative, on-the-ground projects that benefit both nature and local livelihoods, making it an ideal workplace for those who want to see tangible impact.
About This Role
As Senior Philanthropy Director, you will lead the organization's fundraising strategy to grow unrestricted revenue, personally manage a portfolio of major donors ($10k+), and build a corporate giving program in Washington state. Your work directly supports Sustainable Northwest's mission by securing the resources needed to scale their community-driven projects and partnerships.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with a major donor in Seattle to discuss a six-figure unrestricted gift, followed by a virtual check-in with the Development Manager on pipeline progress. You might also spend time researching new corporate partners in the clean energy sector, and end the day drafting a multi-year fundraising plan for the President and Board.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Sustainable Northwest Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraiser with 8+ years of progressive experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role, and a proven track record of personally closing five- and six-figure unrestricted gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations in Washington state.
- A strategic thinker who has created and executed multi-year development plans balancing diverse revenue streams (individual, corporate, foundation), with a preference for experience in environmental or community-based organizations.
- An exceptional relationship-builder who can authentically engage donors from rural communities, Tribal Nations, and corporate partners, and who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
- A skilled manager who can mentor and develop a Development Manager, and work effectively with a President and Board to align fundraising with organizational priorities.
📝 Tips for Applying to Sustainable Northwest
Highlight your Washington state donor network and specific examples of unrestricted gifts you've secured there, as the role requires a local focus.
Showcase your experience with corporate giving programs, especially if you've built partnerships with Washington-based businesses in the sustainability or natural resources sector.
Emphasize any work you've done with rural communities or Tribal Nations, as this is core to Sustainable Northwest's mission and partnership model.
Tailor your resume to demonstrate progressive leadership in fundraising, with clear metrics like dollars raised, portfolio growth, and team development.
In your cover letter, reference specific Sustainable Northwest projects (e.g., their water or forest initiatives) to show you've researched their work and understand their collaborative approach.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine passion for Sustainable Northwest's mission of forging solutions that benefit nature, people, and local economies, and connect it to your own values.", 'Detail your experience in securing unrestricted major gifts ($10k+) and corporate partnerships in Washington state, with concrete examples of strategies and outcomes.', 'Demonstrate your leadership in creating multi-year development plans and managing teams, showing how you can drive growth while mentoring the Development Manager.', "Convey your ability to build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders, including rural communities, Tribal Nations, and corporate partners, aligning with the organization's collaborative culture."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Sustainable Northwest's current projects and annual reports to understand their work in water, energy, and forests, and how funding is allocated.
- → Learn about their partnerships with rural communities and Tribal Nations, including any recent success stories or challenges.
- → Research the Washington state philanthropic landscape, especially foundations and corporations that fund environmental and community development initiatives.
- → Familiarize yourself with the organization's board members and current development team to understand the existing donor base and culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic application that doesn't reference Sustainable Northwest's specific mission or projects; they value authentic connection to their work.
- Don't overlook the requirement for Washington state focus; applying without a local donor network or experience may be a mismatch.
- Don't focus solely on individual giving; the role requires balancing multiple revenue streams, including corporate and foundation, so demonstrate breadth.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Sustainable Northwest!