Fund Development Director

SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975. SEED’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Southeast Seattle by creating partnerships and inspiring investments in housing, arts, and economic development - with a special focus on residents with fewer opportunities and resources. SEED works in three key areas: affordable housing, arts and culture (SEEDArts), and economic development. Visit our website for more information.

The Fund Development Director works with the Executive Director, department Directors, and Board of Directors for all aspects of fund development for both SEED and SEEDArts. The Fund Development Director provides leadership on fundraising initiatives including grants, government contracts, donations, corporate sponsorships, and special events. They will identify, organize, and manage fundraising activities with a focus on new opportunities to obtain increased support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive long- and short-term fund development plan for both SEED and SEEDArts; Provide monthly reports to the Executive Director and the board that measure progress towards goals; Broaden SEED’s fundraising by developing approaches such as planned giving, solicitation of bequests, and endowment programs.

Grants: Manage SEED’s overall grant seeking and reporting process; Build and maintain relationships with government funders and private foundations; Solicit or coordinate the solicitation by other staff and board for grant proposals; Lead grant writing and submission process; Administer all grant contracts and fulfill reporting and invoicing requirements.

Individual and Corporate Giving: Create and implement strategies for donor development and cultivation to provide a sustainable funding base for SEED; Keep up-to-date on current fundraising programs and procedures used in the nonprofit sector; Develop strategies for solicitation, and solicit or coordinate the solicitation by other staff and board members as appropriate; Develop and implement all aspects of direct donor mailings, appeal letters, and other communications; Manage gift acknowledgements and maintain donor database; Grow SEED’s corporate sponsorship program.

Events: Plan and execute fall fundraiser, Envision, which raises vital unrestricted donations to support SEED’s overall mission, as well as smaller events throughout the year

Minimum Qualifications

• Five or more years’ fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of fund development growth. Experience with fund development for housing, economic development, arts, and/or in Southeast Seattle preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of crafting winning private and public funding proposals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and cloud-based donor databases (CRM). Experience with Little Green Light a plus.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record of managing fundraising events.
• Desire to work as part of a team and willingness to promote SEED’s work.
• Willingness to work out of SEED’s headquarters in the vibrant Columbia City neighborhood.
• Commitment to racial justice and equity.

Desired Qualifications

• • Experience with public funding and financing sources.
  • Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors.
  • Passion for strengthening communities.
  • BA/BS degree in related field.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision – self-motivated and confident.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work well with people from all backgrounds including high level government executives, local community organizations, funders, and Southeast Seattle residents.

SEED offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, as well as an organizational retirement plan.

SEED embraces hybrid and flexible work environments. This hybrid position is expected to work out of SEED’s offices in Southeast Seattle at least three days a week.