Director of Development

Wasillachamber; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Wasillachamber in Anchorage, AK is seeking a Development Director to provide strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. You will build lasting donor relationships and create innovative strategies to sustain the mission.

The role involves directing fundraising plans, managing events, overseeing the donor database, and collaborating with leadership to meet annual goals. A strong track record in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement is essential.

Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, donor relations, or philanthropy, with demonstrated success achieving fundraising goals.
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and managing campaigns and special events.
• Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership, boards of directors, and community partners.
• Ability to pass state and federal criminal background checks.
• Knowledge of Alaska's philanthropic community, including foundations and corporate giving programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive annual development plan aligned with organizational priorities and fundraising goals.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and KPIs, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to maximize results.
• Partner with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Board of Directors, and Fund Development Committee to expand donor channels and grants.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners to build long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Oversee the donor database, ensuring data integrity, accurate gift recording, and timely acknowledgments.
• Lead planning and execution of fundraising events, including the organization's signature walk event, to maximize community engagement and results.
• Recruit and partner with volunteer planning committees, sponsors, and community partners for successful events.
• Collaborate with the Communications team on fundraising campaigns, donor communications, and promotional strategies.
• Develop, administer, and monitor the annual development budget.
• Prepare and present fundraising and donor engagement reports to leadership and the Board.

Skills

Donor relations

Public speaking

Fundraising software

Microsoft Office

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field

Tools

Donor database systems

Fundraising software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Development Director
Anchorage, AK – Onsite
Salary: $80,000 annual base, plus annual bonus up to $5,000

Our Client

Our client is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, providing critical services and unwavering support to individuals and families across Alaska. They are seeking a Development Director to provide strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives, building lasting donor relationships and creating innovative strategies to sustain their mission.

What You'll Do

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive annual development plan aligned with organizational priorities and fundraising goals
• Establish annual fundraising goals and KPIs, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to maximize results
• Partner with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Board of Directors, and Fund Development Committee to expand individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, bequests, and grants
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners to build long-term philanthropic relationships
• Oversee the donor database, ensuring data integrity, accurate gift recording, and timely acknowledgments
• Lead planning and execution of fundraising events, including the organization's signature walk event, to maximize community engagement and results
• Recruit and partner with volunteer planning committees, sponsors, and community partners for successful events
• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, supervising development staff, consultants, and volunteers as assigned
• Collaborate with the Communications team on fundraising campaigns, donor communications, and promotional strategies
• Develop, administer, and monitor the annual development budget
• Prepare and present fundraising and donor engagement reports to leadership and the Board
• Represent the organization at community meetings, fundraising events, and public engagements

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field preferred
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, donor relations, or philanthropy, with demonstrated success achieving fundraising goals
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and managing campaigns and special events
• Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership, boards of directors, and community partners
• A combination of education, training, and experience may be considered in lieu of stated qualifications
• Ability to pass state and federal criminal background checks
• Valid Alaska driver\'s license, proof of current auto insurance, and an acceptable driving record
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive writing, storytelling, and public speaking
• Proficiency in donor database systems, fundraising software, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of Alaska\'s philanthropic community, including foundations and corporate giving programs
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
• Annual Bonus: Up to $5,000, based on achieving goals across four categories:
  • 25% – Completion and execution of the FY27 Development Plan
  • 25% – Signature fundraising event goal: $125,000 gross, while remaining within the approved event expense budget
  • 10% – Corporate Support goal: $45,000
  • 40% – Individual Contributions goal: $187,100
• Occasional local and statewide travel required for meetings, events, and trainings
• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 lbs, including event supplies

Benefits Overview

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee health, financial security, and work-life balance.

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