Development Director

Communities In Schools of Washington

Tacoma (WA)

Hybrid

USD 96,000 - 144,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

15 days paid vacation

403b Retirement account

Job summary

Communities In Schools of Washington is seeking a Development Director to spearhead their fundraising strategy. The role requires 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising, leading the Development team and managing resource development across Washington’s affiliate network.

The successful candidate will cultivate relationships with donors and implement comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve revenue goals. This hybrid position, based in Tacoma, WA, may require evening and weekend work.

Qualifications

7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with increasing responsibility.
Proven track record of successful resource development.
3+ years of supervisory or managerial experience.

Responsibilities

Create and implement a comprehensive development plan.
Cultivate corporate and foundation relationships.
Lead the Development team and manage fundraising efforts.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Leadership skills

Public speaking

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Nonprofit management education

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Employment Status: Exempt, Full Time; Occasional evening/weekends required
Reports to: State Executive Director
Location: Hybrid (Tacoma, WA)
Travel: Occasional regional travel (WA State) required
Pay Range: $96,000- $144,000 per year
This represents the full pay range for the position; most new hires can expect an offer between the minimum and midpoint of the range, depending on experience.

ABOUT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF WASHINGTON

For over 30 years, Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA), in partnership with the 12 local network affiliates across Washington state, has been striving for equity in educational opportunities. The state office is a small, high-energy office that has a history of strong operations and successful outcomes built upon community partnerships. Driven by our core values of collaboration, opportunity, access, and transformation and in adherence to the CIS National guidelines, the state office works to ensure that all affiliates and their Boards of Directors have the tools and capacity to provide and sustain strong student programs and services in their local communities as they work directly inside K-12 schools supporting students who have historically been furthest from educational justice.

JOB SUMMARY

The Development Director leads the CISWA State Office’s resource development strategy, creating and executing comprehensive multi-year and annual fundraising plans to meet ambitious revenue goals. Reporting to the State Executive Director, this role manages the Development team, directly oversees fundraising for the State Office and two in-house affiliates, leverages board member engagement, and provides consultative leadership to strengthen fundraising capacity across Washington’s CIS affiliate network. The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of relevant nonprofit resource development expertise (equivalent combination of education and experience), a strong work ethic and drive for excellence, and a commitment to equity, collaboration, and youth-centered practice in alignment with our organizational values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Fundraising & Resource Development

Create and implement a comprehensive fund development plan that meets the agency’s strategic and financial goals and aligns with legislative and advocacy efforts.
Cultivate and grow corporate and foundation relationships, including event sponsorships and new avenues for support.
Implement and optimize individual, major giving, and planned giving programs, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and friend-raising events.
Plan and execute fundraising events; secure sponsorships and contracted support, and collaborate with board members, staff, and volunteers to meet revenue goals.
Serve on and collaborate with the Board Resource Development Committee to lead board fundraising efforts; coach and mentor board members to leverage their talents and connections for resource development.
Lead and manage the Development team.
Directly manage and support fund development for CISWA’s in-house affiliates; provide hands‑on resource development services as part of the State Office team.
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to align donor messaging with the agency’s communications plan, centering student voice and ethical storytelling practices.
Pursue ongoing professional development and industry training to stay current on fundraising trends in the nonprofit and local community.

Capacity Building for Statewide Affiliate Networsk

Advise and consult with independent Washington CIS affiliate executive directors, boards, and resource development professionals to strengthen fundraising skills and capacity within their local communities.
Develop and lead collaborative fundraising strategies through an affiliate network Resource Development committee.
Convene affiliate resource development staff and facilitate learning communities, share best practices, and support continuous professional development.

General Duties

Foster a culture of teamwork and community-centric fundraising across the state office and affiliate network.
Represent Washington in national CIS initiatives and partnerships.
Maintain ethical and professional standards as a CISWA representative.
Demonstrate leadership and partnership in alignment with the state office values and commitment to local empowerment.
Perform other duties as assigned in a small team‑oriented nonprofit office.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Education

7+ years of nonprofit or community organization fundraising experience with increasing responsibility; an equivalent combination of education (nonprofit management, business, marketing, or communications) and experience will be considered.
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful resource development plans with clearly defined fund strategies, including engaging board members in donor cultivation and gift solicitation.
3+ years of supervisory or managerial experience.
Public speaking and presentations for small to mid‑sized audiences.
Experience with a federated organizational structure a plus.
CFRE certification a plus.
Experience with professional mentoring, peer learning facilitation, or leading professional development training a plus.

Demonstrated Skills:

Exceptional relationship‑building skills to secure donors and partners and foster teamwork.
Strong leadership skills to motivate staff, network leaders, and board members.
Highly collaborative and solution‑focused, with strong organizational and prioritization skills across multiple projects.
Excellent written, oral, and public speaking/presentation skills for small to mid‑sized audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and client relationship management (CRM) database software, and virtual/telework collaboration tools (such as video conferencing and cloud file sharing)
Comfortable engaging with a variety of personalities, positions and skill levels.

Other Requirements

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel across Washington State to meet with donors and affiliate leaders.

BENEFITS