has been retained to identify the incoming
Associate VP of Major Gifts on behalf of our client, Akin, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families across Washington state strengthen and grow together. Akin accomplishes this mission by building a brighter future together, rooted in family. This full-time, hybrid opportunity is located in Seattle, Washington.
ABOUT AKIN: Akin exists to support and strengthen families in Washington state through a broad range of tailored child and caregiver services. With the primary focus on families with young children, its programs and services are built upon more than a century of experience in fostering nurturing environments and driving systemic improvements for families. Akin’s core values include 1) advocating for and alongside families, 2) cultivating relationships that foster belonging, 3) committing to their work and their communities, and 4) believing in audacious change and intentional transformation.
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Associate Vice President of Major Gifts (AVP-MG) serves as a key fundraising leader and trusted partner to the Vice President of Philanthropy, driving transformational giving that fuels Akin’s mission and strategic vision. Responsible for securing major philanthropic investments of $25,000 to $1,000,000 and above, this role cultivates meaningful relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors whose values align with Akin’s bold goals for impact.
In close collaboration with the Vice President of Philanthropy, the AVP-MG shapes and executes donor engagement strategies, mentors gift officers, and ensures every partnership reflects Akin’s commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation in philanthropy. This role requires the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct while stewarding the resources that make Akin’s transformative work possible.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Portfolio Management & Fundraising Goals - Manage a portfolio of 100–125 major donors and prospects capable of transformational giving ($25K–$1M+).
- Achieve annual fundraising goals aligned with Akin’s strategic plan and comprehensive campaign.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects through in-person, virtual, and written engagement.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of donor activity in Virtuous (or successor CRM), ensuring all follow-up tasks are completed promptly.
- Provide personalized follow-up and acknowledgment to every donor within two business days of contact or inquiry.
- Engage donors and prospects across Washington State, with a focus on strengthening relationships and building new networks.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship - Develop and implement individualized donor engagement strategies that connect Akin’s mission and goals to donor passions.
- Conduct meaningful donor meetings (virtual and in-person) with thorough preparation and thoughtful follow-through.
- Lead or support donor events, briefings, and salons that deepen engagement and inspire investment in Akin’s work.
- Collaborate with program, communications, and events teams to design compelling donor experiences and materials.
- Deliver timely and personalized stewardship through thank-you calls, handwritten notes, and impact reports.
Strategic Leadership & Collaboration - Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy and President/CEO on high-level solicitations and campaign strategy.
- Provide strategic direction for major gift pipeline development, including identifying and qualifying new prospects.
- Collaborate across philanthropy programs, annual, corporate, and planned giving, to ensure cohesive donor engagement.
- Serve as a mentor and thought partner to philanthropy team members, fostering shared learning and a culture of excellence in donor engagement.
- Build strong relationships with organizational and program leaders to stay informed about Akin’s initiatives and impact.
Corporate and Community Engagement - Partner with the events team to attract new corporate partners and enhance workplace giving.
- Identify and cultivate corporate and foundation funders aligned with Akin’s strategic priorities.
- Support annual and community giving initiatives that serve as pathways to major gifts.
Professional Growth & Team Culture - Engage in professional development opportunities, conferences, and sector learning to stay current and inspired.
- Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
- Model Akin’s values of equity, belonging, and community in all relationships and communications.
- Participate actively in organization-wide fundraising activities, events, and learning opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
- At least 5 years of progressive fundraising and donor portfolio management experience.
- A record of securing major gifts, including five- and six-figure commitments, preferred.
- Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
- Skilled at translating complex programmatic work into compelling donor stories and investment opportunities.
- Highly organized, with sound judgment, strategic thinking, and excellent time management abilities.
- Proficient in CRM systems (Virtuous, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong data management, communication, and presentation skills.
- Occasional evening or weekend work for donor engagement.
- Proven record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals, with experience leading or contributing to comprehensive campaigns preferred..
- Supervisory experience within a philanthropy or advancement team preferred.
- Commitment to Akin’s mission, vision, and values of inclusion, equity, and belonging.
- Multilingual abilities are a plus.
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required for donor travel.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: In addition to a competitive base salary of $130,000 to $160,000, Akin also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; 401(k) with up to 3% employer contribution; Employee Assistance Plans (EAP); Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); Health Savings Account (HSA); Voluntary Long-Term Care Plan; Voluntary Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance; short-term disability insurance; Critical Illness, Hospital, and Accident Insurance; Financial Wellness & Identity Protection; Voluntary Long-Term Care; and 14 days of vacation accrued in the first year, 12 days of sick pay accrued per year, 2 Employee Appreciation days, as well as 14 observed paid annual holidays per year.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS: Please address applications to: Chelsea Zimmer, Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive Search
(888) 487-8850 Extension 154
Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM: is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.
We are proud to be part of the
Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a
ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by
The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found .
Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.
For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.
