Development and Communications Director

Feiro Marine Life Center; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WWIN seeks a Development and Communications Director to lead a comprehensive development strategy that expands philanthropic support for Washington women. You will cultivate major donors, foundations and sponsors, and translate impact stories into compelling donor communications and campaigns.

As a senior leader, you’ll oversee a small team and collaborate with contractors and the board to drive sustainable growth and statewide visibility for WWIN’s mission.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications or related fields.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, managing donor relationships and leading solicitations.
• Strong storytelling, communication, strategic planning and organizational skills.
• Experience leading staff or external partners and coordinating fundraising, communications and donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Shape WWIN’s fundraising future. Partner with the Executive Director and Board to lead a comprehensive development strategy that grows philanthropic support and advances opportunities for Washington women.
• Build meaningful donor relationships. Cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, lead the Champion Circle program, and expand support from foundations, corporate partners and sponsors.
• Bring WWIN’s impact to life through storytelling. Partner with program staff, Scholars and alumnae to share authentic stories that connect supporters to WWIN’s mission.
• Lead engaging fundraising experiences. Set the fundraising strategy for Elevate in partnership with an external events team, and develop donor gatherings and stewardship opportunities.
• Lead a collaborative team. Supervise and mentor the Development and Communications Associate, guide grant-writing and communications contractors, and equip Board members to participate confidently.
• Turn insight into action. Use donor data, revenue forecasts and fundraising results to refine strategy, strengthen systems and support sustainable growth.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Storytelling

Strategic planning

Job description

Development and Communications Director

Help more Washington women turn their college and career goals into reality.

WWIN provides scholarships and support to help women facing barriers to opportunity succeed in college and careers so they, their families, and our communities can thrive. We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative fundraising leader to expand support for this work and help shape WWIN’s next chapter.

This is an opportunity to join WWIN’s small and mighty team of colleagues who care deeply about the women we serve, an Executive Director who partners in fundraising, and an energized, engaged Board. You’ll also have support from a Development and Communications Associate, an external grant-writing team, communications contractors, and an event production team.

What you’ll do:

• Shape WWIN’s fundraising future. Partner with the Executive Director and Board to lead a comprehensive development strategy that grows philanthropic support and advances opportunities for Washington women.
• Build meaningful donor relationships. Cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, lead the Champion Circle program, and expand support from foundations, corporate partners and sponsors.
• Bring WWIN’s impact to life through storytelling. Partner with program staff, Scholars and alumnae to share authentic stories that connect supporters to WWIN’s mission. Translate those stories into compelling donor communications, proposals and campaigns that inspire giving and strengthen statewide visibility.
• Lead engaging fundraising experiences. Set the fundraising strategy for Elevate in partnership with an external events team, and develop donor gatherings and stewardship opportunities that deepen connections.
• Lead a collaborative team. Supervise and mentor the Development and Communications Associate, guide grant-writing and communications contractors, and equip Board members to participate confidently in fundraising and outreach.
• Turn insight into action. Use donor data, revenue forecasts and fundraising results to refine strategy, strengthen systems and support sustainable growth.

What you’ll bring:

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications or related fields.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, managing donor relationships and personally leading solicitations.
• Strong storytelling, communication, strategic planning and organizational skills.
• Experience leading staff or external partners and coordinating fundraising, communications and donor engagement.

Location/Hybrid: WWIN has no physical office. This role combines remote work with required in-person donor, staff and Board meetings, events, venue visits and occasional pickups of materials in Seattle. Candidates must reside in Washington state, with preference for the Greater Seattle area. Occasional travel elsewhere in Washington may also be needed.