The Seattle Public Library Foundation serves as the primary fundraising partner for the Seattle Public Library, championing their mission and fostering a community where creativity and opportunity flourish. With over 8,000 individual donors and private organizations, the Foundation helps keep the Library vibrant by enhancing city-funded services. It supports a range of programs, from Books Unbanned to Homework Help, and facilitates branch upgrades annually.

As the second-largest public library foundation in the nation, its commitment to integrity, partnership, equity, and innovation resonates through its many initiatives. Anchored by a belief in the transformative power of libraries, the Foundation ensures they remain vibrant hubs of knowledge and community engagement.

The Opportunity

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Seattle Public Library Foundation occupies a multifaceted position requiring strategic vision, operational experience, and a deep-seated commitment to the Library’s mission.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO serves as the driving force behind the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, crafting and implementing comprehensive strategies to bolster financial support. This entails not only maintaining relationships with existing donors but also actively cultivating new and diverse sources of funding to ensure the Foundation’s continued growth and sustainability.

The CEO will serve as the Foundation’s primary spokesperson, advocating for the Library’s significance locally and nationally. This includes collaborating with community leaders, business entities, and public officials to articulate the Library’s value proposition and garner backing for its initiatives. By spearheading critical campaigns such as the Library Levy, the CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping civic discourse and rallying public support for essential funding measures.

Forging strong partnerships with the Board, Chief Librarian, and community leaders, the CEO will navigate the Foundation towards sustainable growth, reaffirming the vital  role it plays shaping Seattle’s literary landscape.

The salary for this position starts at $180,000, with the potential of a generous annual bonus.