Executive Director

About the Organization and Role

The Northwest Sarcoma Foundation is a regional nonprofit organization that assists patients and families affected by sarcoma. Operating primarily across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska, the foundation provides patient navigation, financial aid, educational resources, advocacy, and funding for research on rare malignancies. With a lean operational structure, it depends on strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, major donors, and grant funding to maintain and expand its impact.

The Executive Director is a senior leadership position tasked with ensuring sustainable growth in revenue, operational efficiency, and building strategic partnerships. This role involves leading all fundraising activities and managing day-to-day operations, regulatory compliance, and overseeing fractional staff in a mission-driven, resource-limited setting. The role demands a hands-on and entrepreneurial leader based in the Seattle, WA area.

Primary Responsibilities

• Devise and implement a robust fundraising plan targeting annual revenues between $500,000 and $1,000,000 or more.
• Manage the donor lifecycle using Little Green Light or a similar CRM, segment giving levels, and develop automated stewardship processes.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with major individual donors, family foundations, corporate partners, and manage cause-marketing initiatives.
• Oversee yearly giving campaigns, organize special events, and manage grants from proposal to reporting stages.
• Create and monitor the annual budget; use QuickBooks for accurate fund accounting, distinguishing between restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Provide detailed, transparent monthly financial reports and forecasts to the Board of Directors.
• Ensure strict compliance with federal and state non-profit regulations, including 501(c)(3) requirements, annual tax filings, and solicitation licenses across multiple states.
• Supervise, mentor, and motivate a small fractional staff (two 0.25 FTE and one 0.5 FTE) along with volunteers and consultants, promoting effective communication and accountability in a remote work environment.
• Develop and execute integrated digital and multi-channel marketing strategies, including email, direct mail, and social media, to enhance brand visibility.
• Manage the organization's website and digital assets to optimize user engagement for online donations and event registrations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 7 years progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related sales fields, with demonstrated success in securing significant gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
• Proficient in budgeting and financial management, specifically using QuickBooks.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit donor database systems, preferably Little Green Light or equivalents.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing small nonprofits, including compliance with 501(c)(3) rules and state solicitation laws.
• Excellent communication skills, including grant writing and community engagement experience.
• Proven leadership in managing fractional or volunteer staff.

Preferred Additional Experience

• Prior work experience in small to midsize regional nonprofit organizations.
• Understanding of oncology, rare cancers, or broader healthcare philanthropy sectors.
• Capability in creating and managing social media campaigns and website content management systems.
• Bachelor’s degree mandatory; advanced degrees or CFRE certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to autonomously grow infrastructure within financial constraints.
• High emotional intelligence to foster relationships with donors, patients, board members, and staff.
• Combination of strategic thinking and practical involvement, from long-term planning to daily operational tasks.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range from $95,000 to $125,000.
• Generous paid time off, including distinct sick leave, holidays, and three personal floating holidays.
• Health and remote work stipends.
• Flexible remote work options.
• Direct engagement with leadership and significant autonomy to influence the foundation’s direction.