Director of Development & Philanthropy

Volunteers of America Eastern Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 paid holidays + 5 floating holidays

Employer-paid health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Professional development

EV charging at main location

Job summary

VOA Eastern Washington is seeking a Director of Development & Philanthropy to strengthen and grow philanthropic support across Eastern Washington. This strategic, externally facing role reports to the CEO and focuses on major gift cultivation, donor relations, and building a sustainable fundraising program.

The ideal candidate has a track record of securing major gifts, engaging executive leaders and boards, and guiding development professionals toward impactful fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five+ years of progressive fundraising, philanthropy, advancement, or development experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience engaging major donors, foundations, corporations, or other philanthropic partners.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with executive leaders, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the community.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy and secure major gifts.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and community leaders.
• Engage senior stakeholders and move conversations toward meaningful investments.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to shape organizational fundraising strategy.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor relationship cultivation

Stakeholder engagement

Executive leadership collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Donor CRM systems

Grant development

Job description

VOA Eastern Washington

Seeing People First, Empowering All to Thrive

Help Shape the Future of Philanthropy at VOA Eastern Washington

At VOA Eastern Washington, we believe that lasting change happens when generous people invest in opportunities that help others thrive.

Description

We're seeking an experienced fundraising leader to serve as our next Director of Development & Philanthropy. Reporting directly to the CEO, this highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to strengthen and grow philanthropic support for an organization dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Eastern Washington.

We're looking for someone who understands that transformative philanthropy begins with relationships. Someone who inspires generosity, cultivates trust, and creates meaningful opportunities for individuals, foundations, businesses, and community leaders to invest in lasting impact.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraising professional who has successfully secured major gifts, built enduring donor relationships, and understands how to move a conversation from shared values to meaningful investment. You know when to make the ask, how to engage influential stakeholders, and how to create opportunities that connect people to a mission they believe in. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both leadership and relationship-building. Someone who appreciates strategy but also understands that philanthropy happens one conversation, one relationship, and one act of generosity at a time.

You're Likely a Great Fit If You

• Have a successful track record securing major gifts and philanthropic support.
• Enjoy cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and community leaders.
• Are confident making significant funding requests and facilitating donor conversations.
• Understand donor cultivation, stewardship, and long-term relationship building.
• Know how to bring together the right people at the right time to advance a shared vision.
• Have experience leading fundraising efforts and supporting the growth of development professionals.
• Possess a strong understanding of foundation funding and the grant development process.
• Are equally comfortable representing an organization in the community and contributing to organizational strategy.
• Believe in the power of generosity to transform lives and strengthen communities

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of progressive fundraising, philanthropy, advancement, or development experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience engaging major donors, foundations, corporations, or other philanthropic partners.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with executive leaders, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading nonprofit fundraising efforts.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or developing fundraising professionals.
• Experience with major gifts, donor stewardship, annual giving, foundation relations, or institutional fundraising.
• Working knowledge of grant development, funder engagement, and grant strategy.
• Experience with donor databases and fundraising CRM systems.
• CFRE certification or other fundraising credential.

Why Join VOA Eastern Washington?

Every gift represents hope, opportunity, and transformation for the people we serve. As Director of Development & Philanthropy, you'll help inspire investment in programs and services that strengthen individuals, families, and communities across our region. Your work will help ensure that generosity becomes meaningful and lasting impact.

Benefits

• 8 paid holidays plus up to 5 floating holidays
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (approx. $12,000-$15,000 annual value)
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability (approx. $1,500-$2,500 annual value)
• Generous PTO, including sick leave and vacation
• 403(b) retirement plan
• PSLF-eligible employer
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Free electric vehicle charging at our main location