Senior Philanthropy Officer, Research and Innovation
Job Description
Seattle Children’s Foundation is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Officer, Research and Innovation (SPORI)—a role designed for a senior level fundraiser who thrives at the intersection of pediatric science, innovation and transformational philanthropy.
As a member of the Principal Giving team, this role will serve as a key liasion between Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI) leadership and visionary donors. This position goes beyond development; it requires a strategic thought partner capable of framing promising pediatric research and discoveries into compelling, high-impact philanthropic narratives. By building trusted relationships with renowned investigators and executive leadership, this role will optimize opportunities to engage and inspire donors in support of Seattle Children’s most innovative ideas. The SPORI is responsible for directly securing principal and transformational giving throughout their portfolio, while collaborating across the team, in a unified effort to maximize giving and accelerate discoveries from bench to bedside.
The Senior Philanthropy Officer, Research and Innovation (SPORI) is responsible for driving the growth and sustainability of philanthropic support for research initiatives across the Seattle Children's Research Institute (SCRI). In this role, the SPORI facilitates strategic philanthropic planning in close partnership with both Research and Foundation leadership, ensuring that fundraising efforts are fully aligned with the organization's long-term scientific and clinical priorities. The SPORI is tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive philanthropic roadmap, working in direct coordination with SCRI and Foundation leaders to secure the resources necessary for breakthrough innovations and medical advancements.
To achieve these goals, the SPORI partners closely with the Chief Scientific Officer, Chief Innovation Officer and the Chief Research Operations Officer to establish and refine fundraising priorities for specific research programs. Simultaneously, the SPORI works alongside the Chief Development Officer and the broader Development team to manage a robust portfolio of major and principal gift donors, overseeing all stages of the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process. As a central point of connection, the SPORI serves as a vital liaison between the Foundation, the Hospital, and the Research Institute, managing high-level relationships with Trustees, volunteers, and key community stakeholders to broaden the base of support. By fostering a culture defined by a relentless spirit of inquiry, innovation, and compassion, the SPORI ultimately ensures that children and families across the region gain expanded access to life-saving research and advanced therapeutics.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional designation.
Minimum ten years’ experience in the fundraising profession, with progressively increasing scope of responsibility.
Minimum seven years' experience in major giving ($100K+) and principal giving ($1M+) fundraising.
Minimum seven years' experience working with institutional leadership and leadership volunteers.
Minimum five years' experience developing and managing fundraising plans.
Preferred
Minimum five years fundraising and management experience in a hospital, university or organization of equivalent size, scope and complexity.
Proven track record of securing seven-figure gifts by partnering directly with principal investigators and clinicians to translate bench-to-bedside research into actionable, high-level philanthropic investment opportunities
Compensation Range
$180,884.00 - $271,326.00 per yearSalary Information
This compensation range was calculated based on full-time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided.
Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants
This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors.
Benefits Information
Seattle Children’s offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more. Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website www.seattlechildrens.org/careers/benefits.
About Us
Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children’s – to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE
Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Seattle Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals. For more than a decade, Seattle Children’s has been nationally recognized in key specialty areas. We are honored to be one of the nation’s very best places to care for children and the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
As a Magnet designated institution, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it’s delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.
Our Commitment
Seattle Children’s welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
The people who work at Seattle Children’s are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves.
Seattle Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.