Director of Development

Anchorage Park Foundation; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care reimbursement

403(b) retirement match

Generous PTO and holidays

Wellness stipend

Flexible, supportive work environment

Job summary

Anchorage Park Foundation seeks a Director of Development to advance fundraising and public engagement for Anchorage’s parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. The role leads the fundraising program, strengthens donor relationships, and shapes the organization’s communications and public voice.

The director collaborates with the Executive Director and staff to identify funding opportunities, craft compelling stories, and expand support from foundations, corporations, and individuals.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of nonprofit fundraising, development, or communications experience.
• Proven success cultivating donors, sponsors, funders, or community partners.
• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual Fundraising Plan in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, sponsors, foundations, and other funders.
• Manage annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising campaigns.
• Develop compelling proposals, appeals, presentations, and other fundraising materials.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Storytelling

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

CRM software

Email marketing tools

Job description

Director of Development

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000
Full Time (35 hours/week)
Anchorage, Alaska

Help Build Community Through Parks & Trails

The Anchorage Park Foundation (APF) is seeking a creative, relationship-oriented Director of Development to help grow our fundraising, strengthen our public voice, and connect more people to Anchorage’s parks, trails, and outdoor spaces.

APF is a community-based nonprofit partner to the Municipality of Anchorage Parks & Recreation Department. We mobilize community support and funding to improve parks, trails, and recreation opportunities that strengthen community health, connect neighborhoods to nature, expand access to outdoor recreation, and bring people together.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for an experienced fundraising professional who enjoys both strategy and getting things done. The Director will build on an established fundraising and communications program, strengthen existing relationships, advance successful strategies, and identify new opportunities for growth. Working closely with the Executive Director and staff, the Director will cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners and tell compelling stories about the impact of Anchorage’s parks.

Fundraising Planning & Implementation

• Build on APF’s established fundraising program and donor relationships, maintaining strong existing revenue streams while developing new opportunities for growth.
• Develop and implement annual Fundraising Plan in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, sponsors, foundations, and other funders.
• Manage annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising campaigns.
• Develop compelling proposals, appeals, presentations, and other fundraising materials.
• Maintain accurate donor records and strengthen development systems, processes, and reporting.
• Identify new funding opportunities and ways to increase revenue and leverage resources.

Communications & Public Engagement

• Lead APF’s communications and marketing strategy across digital, print, social media, email, website, and media relations.
• Develop compelling stories, photos, and other content that showcase the impact of APF’s work.
• Build awareness of APF’s programs, projects, events, and opportunities for community involvement.
• Work with staff and partners to gather stories, photos, testimonials, and other content.
• Serve as a key point of contact for media and communications partners.

Community & Relationship Building

• Represent APF with donors, businesses, community organizations, public agencies, and other partners.
• Support events and community engagement activities that build relationships and advance fundraising goals.
• Build relationships and partnerships that connect APF’s mission with Anchorage’s civic, outdoor recreation, business, and philanthropic communities.

Organizational Leadership

• Work collaboratively across a small, mission-driven team.
• Provide regular fundraising and communications updates, metrics, and recommendations to the Executive Director and Board.
• Help strengthen APF’s systems, practices, and capacity as the organization grows.

What We’re Looking for

We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and hands‑on, with excellent relationship‑building and communication skills.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• At least five years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications, or a related field, with demonstrated experience advancing fundraising efforts.
• Demonstrated success cultivating donors, sponsors, funders, or community partners.
• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing and executing fundraising and/or communications strategies, with experience in areas such as grant writing, corporate partnerships, media relations, or community engagement.
• Aptitude for building relationships across diverse sectors and communities and comfort representing an organization publicly.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity working with donor databases, email marketing, social media, websites, and other communications tools.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to work independently.
• A genuine interest in building community around Anchorage’s parks, trails, and green spaces.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

APF offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health care reimbursement
• 403(b) retirement match
• Generous PTO and holidays
• Wellness stipend
• Flexible, supportive work environment

This is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organization deeply connected to Anchorage and its communities. If you are energized by building relationships, telling meaningful stories, and supporting efforts that make Anchorage a better place to live, work, and play, we’d love to hear from you.

Anchorage Park Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace grounded in respect, equity, and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.