SVP or VP of Development & Marketing

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PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Special Olympics Washington (SOWA) seeks a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as our SVP/VP of Development & Marketing. This role is responsible for advancing the organization's revenue, brand, and community impact by overseeing all aspects of fundraising, marketing, communications, and public relations. Reporting to the CEO, this individual will lead a high-performing team and collaborate across departments to drive sustainable revenue and donor file growth, deepen constituent engagement, and amplify the transformative mission of Special Olympics across Washington State.

This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to shape and scale an integrated development and marketing strategy in service to thousands of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising plan and budget with short- and long-term goals and cost-to-revenue benchmarks. Strategies include new donor acquisition, donor retention and upgrades, workplace giving, mid-major-planned giving, events, corporate and foundation grants, board giving, peer-to-peer solicitation, e-commerce, and direct mail. Oversees donor data management, tracking, and stewardship. Leads internal team and, when needed, external partners to execute the plan.

2. Develops, implements, and drives multi-year strategy for major gift strategy targeting individual, corporate, foundation, and other entities. Identifies prospects, builds and maintains relationships, and tracks results regularly. Leads internal staff or external consultants in execution.

3. Develops, implements, and leads integrated marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to elevate SOWA's visibility, enhance its brand, and support mission-driven initiatives. Oversee the creation and distribution of promotional materials, digital content, press releases, media outreach, and storytelling campaigns that reflect the organization's values and impact.

4. Leads and develops a high-performing Development and Marketing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Provides strategic direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure departmental goals are achieved. Works cross-functionally with program, finance, and operations teams to align fundraising and marketing efforts with organizational priorities.

5. Partners with the CEO to train, equip, and inspire board members and staff to actively participate in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

6. Stays informed on all SOWA programs, initiatives, and community partnerships to accurately represent the organization's impact and funding needs.

7. Compiles and prepares information and performs various fundraising special projects for the CEO as requested.

8. Produces monthly reports on the progress of all programs and corrective action taken to assure results and achievement of agreed upon objectives.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT:

Performance in this job will be measured by:

1. Ability to develop and implement integrated fundraising strategies that drive donor and revenue acquisition, retention, and growth while meeting or exceeding cost-to-revenue benchmarks.

2. Ability to build and lead mid-level, major, and planned giving programs that secure significant contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other partners. Strong commitment to donor cultivation and long-term stewardship.

3. Ability to protect, promote and enhance the SOWA brand through compelling storytelling, integrated marketing, public relations, and stakeholder engagement. Experience producing high-impact fundraising and promotional materials.

4. Ability to interpret performance data, track fundraising and marketing outcomes, and develop accurate forecasts and budgets aligned with strategic goals.

5. Ability to lead high-performing teams and driving results through cross-functional collaboration. Values a culture of trust, respect, and accountability, aligned with SOWA's mission and core values.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university or fundraising/marketing certification from accredited school or university; or three to five years related fundraising/marketing experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and fundraising/marketing experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Fundraising & Marketing Expertise: Proven success in leading comprehensive fundraising and marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, manage cross-functional initiatives, and deliver results through others.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and engage diverse audiences.

• Analytical Thinking: Strong skills in data analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement.

• Strategic Thinking & Agility: Capable of balancing long-term vision with short-term execution and adapting quickly in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using fundraising databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge), marketing tools, and digital platforms.

• Cultural Competency: Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; able to engage across cultures with respect and authenticity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these duties.

This role requires advanced stress management skills due to frequent interpersonal interactions with donors and prospects. The position also involves extensive local travel, approximately 50-60% of the time. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the current office located in Seattle.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary Range and Title: $120,000 - $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Special Olympics Washington also offers competitive benefits packages including health insurance, generous paid time off, hybrid work flexibility, and professional development opportunities.

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS WASHINGTON

We are a catalyst for inclusion! Special Olympics Washington is the leader in sports, health and community building, empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities to be valued on and off the playing field.

Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics can remove barriers and stigmas that people with intellectual disabilities face, and share with the community the gifts and talents they possess. Everyone who comes in touch with Special Olympics is impacted in a way that helps them strive to achieve their personal best.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ACCESS

Special Olympics Washington commits to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible community that empowers individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to celebrate their similarities and differences. Through our programming, we foster a community of belonging and inclusion for all. Special Olympics Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TO APPLY

Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications to View email address on us.edajobs.com. Please add “SVP/VP of Development & Marketing” to the subject line. NO PHONE CALLS.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Seattle, Washington 98121