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Senior Development Officer (Program Specialist 5)

State of Washington

Spokane County – Spokane, WAFull-time$5,928–7,973/moPosted 1w agoVerified open 4 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$5,928–7,973/mo
Location
Spokane County – Spokane, WA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification

Job overview

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture seeks a Senior Development Officer to lead major gift and planned giving programs, manage a portfolio of high‑wealth donors, and collaborate with leadership to secure financial support for the museum’s mission.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Strategic Fundraising PlanningRelationship BuildingCollaborationAdaptabilityProblem SolvingAdvocacyCRM SoftwareVersai Software

Qualifications

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) CertificationExperience Securing Significant Financial CommitmentsExperience Managing Portfolio of RelationshipsExperience Using Donor CRM SystemsFundraising Experience With High-Wealth IndividualsCertified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Credential

Full job description

Senior Development Officer (Program Specialist 5) Monday - Friday | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | ON-SITE

Who We Are: The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) seeks to engage our audiences in the appreciation of art, history, and culture of the Inland Northwest and beyond, through collection stewardship, exhibitions and programs that enrich and inspire. Established in 1916, the MAC is the oldest cultural organization in Spokane, Washington, and serves over 100,000 visitors each year from around the region. The museum collections contain over 63,000 objects, including the largest known collection of Plateau tribes art and artifacts.

About the Opportunity: As the Senior Development Officer (SDO), you will play a pivotal role in driving the museum’s sustainability by leading the major gift ($5,000+) and Legacy Society planned giving programs. Working in close collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and Executive Director, you will exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority to build, cultivate, and steward a dedicated portfolio of 50–100 high-wealth prospects and donors. In this multifaceted position, you will oversee program strategy, manage complex fundraising initiatives, lead pipeline development, and professionally represent the MAC to expand key community and partner relationships in support of our mission.Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:• Secure major gifts of $5,000 or more from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations to support institutional priorities.

  • Manage a portfolio of 50–100 qualified major and planned giving prospects through personalized cultivation, solicitations, and long-term stewardship strategies.

  • Lead prospect research and qualification efforts to continuously build a robust major donor pipeline.

  • Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer, Executive Director, and marketing team to align overall fundraising strategy and donor messaging.

  • Conduct donor visits, maintain accurate interaction reports, and professionally represent the MAC to enhance its reputation.

  • Support broader development initiatives, campaigns, and special events to ensure sustainable, long-term support for the museum’s mission.

  • Direct and grow the museum’s planned giving and Legacy Society programs to secure long-term support.

  • Partner with the Chief Development Officer to strategize, qualify, and engage prospective donors through targeted activities and programs.

  • Assist Development Department events, such as ArtFest, exhibition receptions, donor cultivation events, the annual Gala, etc.

  • Other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:• Agreement to attain Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification within 18 months of appointment (agency will provide).

  • Experience securing significant financial commitments or comparable outcomes (e.g., major gifts, grants, sponsorships, or revenue targets).
  • Experience managing a portfolio of relationships or projects, including balancing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Experience using donor or customer relationship management systems (CRM) or fundraising software to track interactions, manage pipelines, and support fundraising strategy.
  • Ability to: • Develop, research, and execute strategic plans for fundraising, using data to analyze prospects and track progress toward organizational goals.
  • Build, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with donors, external partners, and diverse community members through clear, persuasive communication.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with colleagues, leadership, and partners to align strategies, coordinate events, and drive shared engagement initiatives.
  • Demonstrate personal adaptability, proactively learn systems, solve problems, and advocate for inclusion while taking ownership of professional growth.

Preferred Qualification:• Fundraising experience with high-wealth individuals.

  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
  • Experience using Versai software.

How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information

Do not attach additional documents that are not listed above, or any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.

Additionally, the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This position is full-time (40 hours/week; Tuesday-Saturday), and may work some evenings or weekends as required by museum business needs and event schedules.

Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC), a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All: The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at [email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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