Development Director

POSITION: Development Director

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

SALARY RANGE: $95,000-$115,000 annually

LOCATION: Portland, OR (Hybrid)

Who We Are

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is at a transformational moment in its 30-year history. Long recognized as the designated arts council for Portland and Multnomah County, RACC has evolved into a dynamic steward of public art, a provider of professional development for artists and arts organizations, and a leading advocate for equitable arts policy and investment across the region.

As public funding structures and political landscapes shift, RACC is building a new, strategic, entrepreneurial approach to revenue generation, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement. We are expanding our public presence, deepening our relationships, and shaping a bold new identity that reflects the role of arts and culture in a thriving, just, and vibrant region.

The Opportunity

RACC is hiring its first Development Director to lead the creation of a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising program. Working closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership, the Development Director will be charged with launching and growing a culture of philanthropy at RACC—setting vision, building infrastructure, and cultivating deep relationships with funders, donors, and partners.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to build something new within a well-established organization with a strong regional presence and a powerful story to tell. If you are a builder, a strategic fundraiser, and a believer in the power of arts and culture to transform communities, we want to meet you.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Program Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy that includes individual giving, major gifts, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and earned revenue partnerships.
• Build internal fundraising infrastructure, including tools, systems, and processes for donor management and gift tracking.
• Set and achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals in alignment with organizational priorities.

Donor & Funder Engagement

• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, institutional funders, and government partners.
• Represent RACC at events and in meetings with key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board to activate networks and strengthen relationships with regional philanthropic leaders.

Communications & Storytelling

• Collaborate with the communications and public engagement team to craft compelling fundraising messaging that reflects RACC’s evolving identity.
• Translate RACC’s programs, values, and community impact into narratives that resonate with donors and inspire investment.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Oversee the grant writing process, including identifying opportunities, managing deadlines, and ensuring alignment with RACC’s values and voice.
• Work across departments to gather content and track grant outcomes, compliance and stewardship

Internal Collaboration & Culture-Building

• Partner with staff leadership and board of directors to foster an organization-wide culture of philanthropy.
• Work alongside RACC’s program teams to identify revenue-generating partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on organizational sustainability and growth.

Qualifications

• At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of securing individual and institutional gifts.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial thinker with experience launching or significantly expanding a fundraising program.
• Familiarity with the Portland Metro philanthropic and civic ecosystem is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional storytelling, writing, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with or within public agencies, advocacy organizations, or arts and culture nonprofits is a plus.
• Cultural competence, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Exceptional employer-sponsored healthcare coverage
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling
• Hybrid work environment with downtown Portland office space
• Opportunity to shape a high-impact development program from the ground up

How to Apply

https://racc.bamboohr.com/careers/57?source=aWQ9MjE%3D

Please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining your interest. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by September 1, 2025.