About Willamette Falls Trust

Willamette Falls Trust (the “Trust”) is a non-profit organization with a mission to champion and sustain an exceptional Willamette Falls experience that offers year-round connection to the grandeur of the Falls, historic and cultural interpretation, healthy habitat, public open spaces, and elevates Tribal voices and interests in the Falls and its waterway.

The leadership of the Trust includes tribes with historic and current connections to the Falls, which include the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon.

The Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project aims to recreate public access to the second-largest waterfall by volume in the United States. Through a combination of public and private support, the Trust seeks to acquire 40+ acres on the west side of the Falls including the property known as Moore’s Island and the uplands to ensure public access to this unique natural wonder. Our first-ever Senior Vice President of Philanthropy will lead the philanthropic efforts to expand our reach and raise the necessary funds to execute our vision.

Position Summary

The Trust is looking for a seasoned leader to create and implement strategy on a large-scale multi-year comprehensive campaign. The Senior Vice President (SVP) will plan and execute fundraising and oversee communications efforts, with a focus on securing financial support and building strong relationships with donors and key stakeholders. Reporting to the President, this strategic leader will build and supervise the Trust’s development team and play a central role in advancing the Trust’s mission through bold, relationship-driven fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy and Communications Leadership

1. As a key member of the executive leadership team, partner with the President, Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet, and key stakeholders to drive the success of the comprehensive capital campaign and all long-term fundraising and communications strategies.
2. Be the primary liaison to the Campaign Cabinet and Board of Directors on campaign progress and areas of need.
3. Advise and be a thought partner to the President on all matters related to philanthropy and external engagement.
4. In partnership with the VP of Internal Operations, manage the development and communications budget, and support monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
5. Build and scale the fundraising and communications team over the next five years, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture that emphasizes accountability, innovation, and follow-through.
6. Provide vision and leadership through professional development and industry engagement, regionally and nationally. 
7. Oversee the activity within the grants pipeline, including Tribal and private foundations, local, state, and federal funding research, planning, and applications.
8. Oversee effective use of CRM and data management tools to enable measurement and reporting as required for scaling the capital campaign.
9. Ensure consistent messaging and donor engagement through coordinated development communications.
10. Oversee systems and strategy for prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

1. Lead cornerstone, principal, major, institutional, and legacy gift strategies and pipeline.
2. Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on seven to eight figure gifts; support the strategy and execution of all organizational portfolios.
3. Develop compelling cases for support that align with the Trust’s mission, values, and campaign priorities.
4. Design and oversee regular donor strategy meetings with staff, board, and community leaders.
5. Represent the Trust in discovery, briefing, and solicitation conversations with donors and prospects.
6. Oversee the planning for donor stewardship and cultivation, including assisting with the execution of special fundraising events.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related experience; Master’s degree a plus.
2. Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience including at least 3 years in leadership roles.
3. Proven track record of securing seven figure gifts and managing high-level donor relationships with discretion.
4. Experience supervising fundraising teams in a campaign environment with a collaborative and relationship-oriented leadership style.
5. Commitment to the highest standards of ethical fundraising practices. AFP, CFRE, or similar accreditation preferred. 
6. Commitment to culturally relevant practices and working with and elevating the voices of Tribal Members and Communities.
7. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and strategic thinking skills.
8. Strong organizational and project management abilities.
9. Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Bloomerang, Pipedrive) and Google productivity tools.
10. High tolerance for ambiguity, changing work priorities and deadlines, and a willingness to take on responsibilities and to prioritize work on multiple projects.
11. Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Working Conditions

Occasional evening or weekend work is required to carry out events and meetings. Occasional travel is required largely within the region (Oregon and southwest Washington) to participate in and facilitate donor meetings, events, and professional development training. Work can be fast-paced with multiple projects and objectives in motion and will sometimes require moderate physical activity. 

Salary & Benefits

$150,000-$170,000 plus benefits: health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% premiums paid by employer; up to 6% employer matched retirement; 3 weeks starting PTO, 40 hours sick time, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays; a flexible schedule with a hybrid work model based out of the Portland, Oregon Metro area. Benefits are non-negotiable.