Director of the Foundation
About the Role
The Director of Foundation provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the hospital foundation and philanthropic programs in support of the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. This position develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies, cultivates relationships with donors and community partners, oversees foundation operations and events, manages grant and major gift initiatives, and serves as the primary liaison between the Foundation Board and hospital leadership.
The Director is responsible for growing philanthropic support through annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special events while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, ethical fundraising standards, and foundation governance.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a trusted ambassador for the hospital and Foundation by representing the organization's mission and values throughout the community.
- Develops and maintains authentic, long-term relationships with donors, patients, families, volunteers, board members, physicians, employees, and community partners.
- Ensures ethical stewardship of all charitable contributions through transparent financial reporting, donor acknowledgment, and responsible fund management.
- Develops and executes annual and long-range fundraising plans aligned with organizational strategic priorities.
- Leads fundraising programs including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, grants, corporate partnerships, employee giving, and sponsorships.
- Establishes measurable fundraising goals and monitors key performance indicators to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Oversees Foundation budgets, financial reporting, gift processing, donor database management, and recordkeeping.
- Ensures timely donor recognition, stewardship activities, and impact reporting.
- Supervises Foundation staff and volunteers, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
- Identifies new philanthropic opportunities and develops innovative fundraising initiatives that support organizational growth.
- Utilizes donor analytics, CRM technology, and data-driven decision making to strengthen fundraising strategies.
- Creates compelling donor engagement campaigns using digital communications, storytelling, and community outreach.
- Leads planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns that increase community engagement and philanthropic investment.
- Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Foundation Board, supporting governance, committee work, and strategic planning.
- Partners with hospital leadership, physicians, department leaders, and staff to identify funding priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
- Cultivates meaningful relationships with major donors, prospective donors, volunteers, community organizations, and elected officials.
- Coordinates volunteer engagement opportunities that strengthen community support for the hospital.
- Collaborates with the marketing and communications team to share stories demonstrating the impact of philanthropy on patient care and community health.
- Promotes a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by educating employees about Foundation initiatives and donor impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
- Master's degree in business administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible fundraising, development, or nonprofit leadership experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of leadership or management experience.
- Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, grant development, and board engagement.
- Experience managing fundraising campaigns, donor databases, budgets, and special events.
- Healthcare or hospital foundation experience preferred.
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or Grant Professional Certification (GPC) preferred.
Skills
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
- Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and nonprofit governance.
- Financial management and budget oversight.
- Grant writing and grant management.
- Project management and event planning.
- Public speaking and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with donor management/CRM software and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to analyze fundraising data and develop strategic recommendations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Work Environment
- Office environment with frequent interaction throughout hospital departments and patient care areas.
- Regular attendance at community meetings, donor visits, fundraising events, and Foundation activities.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required for fundraising events, donor engagement, and community outreach.
- Travel within the service area and occasional regional travel for meetings and professional development.
- Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.
Physical Demands
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use.
- Ability to communicate effectively in individual and group settings.
- Ability to lift and transport event materials weighing up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
- May require occasional travel between facility locations and community event venues.
Benefits
- Flexible medical plan with access to multiple in-network tiers, including top-quality care from Snoqualmie Valley Health, Eastside Health, and First Choice/First Health providers.
- Care at Snoqualmie Valley Health at no cost for anyone covered under the plan.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Pharmacy benefits.
- Life and AD&D insurance.
- Retirement plan.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection.
- Pet Insurance and other voluntary benefits.
Eligibility: Employees regularly scheduled at least 20 hours per week and their legal spouse or domestic partner; dependent children until age 26.
Waiting Period: Benefits begin on the 1st of the month from the date of hire.
Note: Flu shot (during flu season) required for employment, with exemptions available for valid medical or religious reasons. Drug-free workplace with drug screenings as part of the onboarding process.