Executive Director - #1413197
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Date: 7 hours ago
City: Bellingham, WA
Contract type: Full time

The Whatcom Community College Foundation (WCC Foundation) is a nonprofit organization that partners with Whatcom Community College (WCC) to advance student success and educational equity. Located in Bellingham, Washington, WCC is a vibrant public institution serving a diverse student population through academic transfer programs, workforce training, and lifelong learning. The Foundation supports this mission by raising and managing funds for scholarships, emergency assistance, and program innovation—helping ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for all fundraising and advancement efforts. This role is responsible for aligning philanthropic initiatives with institutional priorities, cultivating donor and community relationships, and managing a dedicated advancement team. The Executive Director also serves as the primary liaison to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and works closely with the College President and senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major and planned giving, annual campaigns, and future capital initiatives. Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners. Oversee the Foundation’s financial operations, including budget management and investment oversight. Manage and mentor a five-person advancement team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. Partner with the College President and senior leaders to ensure alignment between fundraising goals and institutional priorities. Support and engage the Foundation Board in governance, fundraising, and strategic planning. Preferred Qualifications:
Significant experience in fundraising and development, with a strong track record in major gifts and campaign leadership. Demonstrated success in working with nonprofit boards and managing teams. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Strategic thinking and operational leadership experience. Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE certification or advanced degree preferred. Whatcom Community College Foundation has retained Campbell & Company as a partner in this search. To read a full position description and to learn how to apply, please visit this link.
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for all fundraising and advancement efforts. This role is responsible for aligning philanthropic initiatives with institutional priorities, cultivating donor and community relationships, and managing a dedicated advancement team. The Executive Director also serves as the primary liaison to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and works closely with the College President and senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major and planned giving, annual campaigns, and future capital initiatives. Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners. Oversee the Foundation’s financial operations, including budget management and investment oversight. Manage and mentor a five-person advancement team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. Partner with the College President and senior leaders to ensure alignment between fundraising goals and institutional priorities. Support and engage the Foundation Board in governance, fundraising, and strategic planning. Preferred Qualifications:
Significant experience in fundraising and development, with a strong track record in major gifts and campaign leadership. Demonstrated success in working with nonprofit boards and managing teams. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Strategic thinking and operational leadership experience. Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE certification or advanced degree preferred. Whatcom Community College Foundation has retained Campbell & Company as a partner in this search. To read a full position description and to learn how to apply, please visit this link.
How to apply
To apply for this job you need to authorize on our website. If you don't have an account yet, please register.
Post a resumeSimilar jobs
Member Experience Leader
Anytime Fitness,
Bellingham, WA
$18
-
$21
per hour
3 days ago
This is a part time position, 20-30 hours/wk requirement. The Member Experience Leader (MXL) is the essential club culture leader of the gym. They will consistently interact, communicate, and maintain an excellent relationship with gym members, fellow staff, and upper management. The MXL is responsible for carrying out key functions for operating the gym, which include but are not limited...

Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Apprentice
PROtect LLC,
Bellingham, WA
$22
-
$25
per hour
5 days ago
Job Type Full-time Description BE A CLEAN AIR HERO! PROtect, LLC is seeking individuals interested in building a career in the Oil and Gas Industry as a Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation (EMM) Apprentice. EMM Apprentices are trained, onsite in Bellingham, WA, to minimize fugitive volatile organic compound (VOC) and hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions in compliance with the Environmental Protection...

Association Director of Advancement and Impact
YMCA of the USA,
Bellingham, WA
6 days ago
Be a part of a growing community. Lead fundraising & community impact as Association Director of Advancement at the YMCA in Bellingham, WA. Job Description The Director of Advancement and Impact is a key member of the YMCA’s Association Leadership Team, responsible for driving the organization’s philanthropic growth, brand presence, and community engagement. This dynamic leader oversees all aspects of...
