Senior Director of Development

THIS OPPORTUNITY

WSOS is seeking a seasoned and creative fundraising strategist who is passionate about increasing college and career opportunities for historically excluded and under-resourced students. They will have experience with all major fundraising approaches, with specific experience leading campaigns, major giving and corporate strategies. They should be excited to take on the challenge of building systems to strengthen and significantly grow WSOS’s fundraising capacity, including hiring, supporting, and leading a talented and effective team. Successful candidates will share WSOS’s commitment to using an equity lens in all aspects of their leadership.

The Senior Director of Development reports to the WSOS Executive Director and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The Senior Director of Development builds and scales the WSOS fundraising program, laying the foundation for sustainable success and increased impact for many years to come. The work is primarily focused on strategic visioning, relationship building, and supporting the team and infrastructure that will be required to significantly increase the capacity of WSOS’s development efforts. This is a unique opportunity to work in a smaller, close-knit, and mission-driven nonprofit organization, while still planning for and securing large-scale, multi-million-dollar gifts that lead to measurable impact that you would typically only encounter in a much larger organization. This role is highly external-facing, requiring frequent donor meetings and attendance at strategic events; work hours will vary to accommodate donor and event schedules, including occasional evenings, weekends, and in-state travel. The Senior Director of Development is a pivotal leader on a collaborative team that is innovative and equity-focused, making a real difference in the lives of the students WSOS serves.

The main WSOS office is in Seattle’s Mt. Baker neighborhood. Most staff work on a hybrid schedule, generally working from the WSOS office two days per week. This role is expected to follow this schedule.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Partnering with the WSOS Board and Executive Director to hone and lead a strategy to significantly increase the fundraising capacity of the organization to create a sustainable model that will serve WSOS into the future,
• Planning for and implementing fundraising infrastructure, processes, and metrics to support a more robust fundraising operation
• Leading and growing a highly effective team of 6 FTE of advancement professionals
• Expanding and deepening the donor base, soliciting sustaining gifts for 2026 and beyond
• Managing a major gift portfolio including individual, foundation, and corporate donors and prospects, and serving as a major gift solicitor
• Creating consistent, powerful and compelling fundraising messaging in partnership with the External Affairs and Marketing & Communications teams
• Other duties as assigned

We look to the Senior Director of Development to maintain the highest ethical fundraising standards and to approach all their work with an equity lens. They are a key partner in our efforts to navigate the complex power dynamics that are inherent in fundraising to support historically excluded students, and they will, at times, be called on to explore these issues with the students, staff, Board, and funders who make up the WSOS community.

Health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage where employer pays 100% of the employee portion; long-term disability, short-term disability, and life insurance

Support for setting up and optimizing home office ($500 to set up a home office plus $35 per month thereafter; $65 per month cell phone stipend)

Comprehensive employee recognition program including performance-based and extenuating circumstances awards available

Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays

401(k) with employer match up to 4%