Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Seattle Fire Foundation Executive Director Position Summary

Organization Overview

Seattle Fire Foundation (SFF)is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 to provide essential tools, equipment, and training resources not covered by the Seattle Fire Department's operational budget. With 98% of SFD's budget allocated to personnel and basic operations, SFF fills the critical 2% gap that enables innovation, enhancement, and excellence in fire services.

2024 Achievements:

• Record revenue: $472,413 (highest since founding)
• Funded largest number of SFD requests in foundation history
• Supported 112,320 emergency responses through enhanced equipment and training

Position Purpose

The Executive Director will lead SFF's transition from volunteer-driven startup to professionally managed nonprofit, positioning the organization for 2-3x revenue growth and fundraising efficiency while maintaining strong community connections and mission focus.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising (70% of role)

• Individual Giving: Develop and execute annual campaigns targeting $400,000+
• Corporate Partnerships: Cultivate major Seattle companies including Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, etc.
• Major Gifts: Annual goal of securing gifts of $10,000 or more from new or existing donors. Help increase the number of major annual gifts from individuals or sponsors.
• Grant Writing: Submit 16 applications annually targeting $100,000 in grant revenue
• Events: Oversee one or more signature fundraising events generating $250,000+ in net revenue

Operations (20% of role)

• Database Management: Implement CRM system and donor stewardship programs
• Board Development: Recruit 2-3 new members, enhance committee structure
• Financial Management: Work with board treasurer and finance committee on tracking expenses and revenue, producing financial reports and the annual preparation of the foundations 990 tax return 
• Marketing: Launch newsletter, grow social media, optimize website for donations

Strategic Leadership (10% of role)

• SFD Partnership: Help the board build on an already strong partnership with the Fire Chief and leadership team. Help the foundation increase the awareness with all SFD employees
• Community Relations: Help board continue to develop a positive presence in the community and foster the current partnerships
• Program Development: Assist board  prioritizing funds based on SFD needs

Ideal Candidate Profile

Ideal Candidate

Required:

·      5+ years in executive, senior management, or entrepreneurial leadership roles

·      Proven track record of building and scaling operations from startup to growth phase

·      Experience managing budgets, strategic planning, and organizational development

·      Experience with donor cultivation or corporate partnerships

·      Knowledge of CRM systems and database management

·      Commitment to full time work with flexible arrangements

·      Strong written and verbal communication skill

Preferred:

• Emergency services, public safety, or community foundation background
• Seattle-area connections and knowledge of local philanthropic landscape
• Event planning and volunteer management experience
• Experience with organizations in $400K-$1M revenue range
• Grant management and reporting experience 
• Track record of strong involvement meeting revenue generation requirements

Personal Qualities:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build systems from ground up
• Collaborative leader who works well with volunteer boards
• Passion for public safety and community service
• Self-directed with strong project management skills

Compensation Package

• Base Salary: $125,000
• Total Package: $125,000 - $162,500 (including benefits)
• Benefits: Comprehensive health/dental/vision, 403(b) match up to 3%, professional development allowance or as negotiated
• Work Environment: Hybrid schedule with flexible arrangements

Year 1 Performance Goals

• Revenue Target: $632,500 minimum 
• Donor Acquisition: Increase donor acquisition 20% annually
• Database Implementation: Complete CRM setup within 60 days
• Corporate Partnerships: Secure 5-8 new sponsors from identified prospect list
• Board Development: Recruit 2-3 new members and conduct annual retreat

Growth Trajectory

• Baseline: $470,000 revenue (2025)
• Year 1: $632,500 revenue or higher (2026)
• Year 2: $795,000 revenue target (2027)
• Year 3: $957,500 revenue milestone (2028)
• Year 4: $1,120,000 (2029)
• ROI Projection: 4:1 return on salary investment within 4 years

Organizational Support

• Board Governance: 15-member board with strong professional expertise
• Community Connections: Established relationships with SFD, city leadership, and donor base
• Proven Programs: Track record of successful initiatives and community impact
• Growth Funding: Murdock Grant application pending for first-year salary support
• Administrative Support: Financial, grant, and administrative support provided

Why This Role Matters

The Executive Director will lead a pivotal transformation enabling SFF to:

• Scale Impact: Move from an established non-profit to sustainable growth organization
• Enhance Safety: Provide firefighters with cutting-edge equipment and training
• Build Community: Strengthen connections between SFD and Seattle residents
• Drive Innovation: Support programs that become industry models
• Maximize Fundraising efficiency: Help the foundation diversify its sources of revenue.  This would include growth and development of low-cost digital strategies, monthly giving relationships and legacy gifts to the foundation. Build on grant funding efforts. 

This position offers the unique opportunity to build on the success of the  Seattle Fire Foundation and lead it to become a premier foundation that supports the nationally recognized Seattle Fire Department. 

The Seattle Fire Foundation (SFF) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit at an exciting inflection point, ready to scale from volunteer-led startup to professionally-managed organization. Founded in 2019, we fill a critical gap: while 97% of the Seattle Fire Department's budget covers personnel and operations, we fund the essential equipment, training, and wellness programs that keep firefighters safe and effective—from rescue watercraft that save lives on Seattle's 200 miles of shoreline to mental health support and cancer prevention tools. With record-breaking revenue of $405,000 in 2024, strong board leadership, established community partnerships, and proven programs already making life-saving impacts, SFF offers a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from a solid foundation. You'll collaborate with passionate board members who volunteer thousands of hours annually, work with Seattle Fire Department leaders and connect with a generous Seattle community eager to support its first responders. This role isn't just about fundraising—it's about ensuring that when 112,000+ emergency calls come in each year, our firefighters have everything they need to save lives and return home safely.

Company Description

The Seattle Fire Foundation (SFF) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit at an exciting inflection point, ready to scale from volunteer-led startup to professionally-managed organization. Founded in 2019, we fill a critical gap: while 97% of the Seattle Fire Department's budget covers personnel and operations, we fund the essential equipment, training, and wellness programs that keep firefighters safe and effective—from rescue watercraft that save lives on Seattle's 200 miles of shoreline to mental health support and cancer prevention tools. With record-breaking revenue of $405,000 in 2024, strong board leadership, established community partnerships, and proven programs already making life-saving impacts, SFF offers a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from a solid foundation. You'll collaborate with passionate board members who volunteer thousands of hours annually, work with Seattle Fire Department leaders and connect with a generous Seattle community eager to support its first responders. This role isn't just about fundraising—it's about ensuring that when 112,000+ emergency calls come in each year, our firefighters have everything they need to save lives and return home safely.

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