Description
The Development Director leads fundraising, donor engagement, and development communications for Children’s Discovery Foundation (Funhouse Commons). This role is responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners while implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and grow youth programs serving Orcas Island.
Working closely with the Executive Director, Board, and staff, the Development Director strengthens philanthropic support through individual giving, grants, events, and planned giving initiatives. This position also provides key support to the Executive Director in donor stewardship and relationship-building, including assisting with donor outreach, meeting coordination, invitations, and preparation for donor cultivation opportunities.
Requirements
Fundraising & Strategy
- Develop and implement annual fundraising plan and calendar
- Grow support from individual donors, businesses, and foundations
- Secure sponsorships and in-kind contributions
Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Cultivate and steward donor relationships
- Coordinate acknowledgements and ongoing engagement
- Support Executive Director with donor outreach, meetings, and follow-up
Major Gifts & Planned Giving
- Build strategies for major and multi-year gifts
- Promote legacy giving (bequests, trusts, donor-advised funds)
Grants & Institutional Funding
- Research, write, and manage grant proposals
- Maintain funder relationships and reporting
Communications & Events
- Lead fundraising communications (appeals, newsletters, annual report)
- Coordinate storytelling and impact messaging
- Plan key events including Annual Gala and Discovery Tours
Operations
- Manage donor database
- Oversee gift processing, reporting, and donor data accuracy
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development or fundraising
- Experience with grant writing, donor stewardship, and fundraising campaigns
- Strong writing, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Experience with donor databases or systems (GiveButter or similar)
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Experience in small nonprofit or community-based organizations preferred
