Director of Development - Special Events

Who We Are

At Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), we believe that when a child is seriously ill, the entire family needs comfort and care. Our Seattle and Anchorage Houses provide a home away from home for families so they can stay together and close to the medical care their child needs. We provide 139 families each night with housing, meals, and other support services, providing a community of care, comfort, and hope. For more than 40 years, the generosity of our community has made this possible. RMHC of Western Washington & Alaska is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Who You Are

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development - Special Events to lead our signature fundraising events and deepen community engagement in support of our mission.

This position requires a creative, relationship-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, mission-centered environment. The Director will serve as a key ambassador for RMHC, building partnerships with board members, corporate sponsors, community leaders, vendors, and volunteers to ensure that every event meaningfully advances our mission and impact. This person will be a strategic thinker, problem solver, and highly adaptable and calm under pressure with impeccable attention to detail.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Development - Special Events is a full-time, in person position reporting directly to the Senior Director of Corporate & Community Engagement. This person will provide strategic vision, leadership, and hands-on direction for RMHC’s high-impact fundraising events and community engagement programs. Working in close partnership with the Senior Director of Corporate & Community Engagement and CEO, this role drives the strategy, execution, and growth of RMHC’s two premier fundraising events—the House That Love Built Gala (raising $1.5 million annually) and the annual RMHC Golf Classic—while also overseeing a portfolio of community-led and third-party fundraising initiatives. They will work with the CEO and Development team in stewardship of donors, sponsors, corporate partners, and volunteers, overseeing the creation and organization of work plans, budgets, collateral, and timelines to execute successful events and reach development goals. They provide training, guidance, and mentorship of the Development Manager - Special Events in support of RMHC’s mission and growth.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• • Develop and implement a comprehensive event fundraising strategy that aligns with RMHC’s overall development goals and brand identity.
  • Establish measurable objectives and performance benchmarks for revenue growth, engagement, and stewardship.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance donor and sponsor experiences through events.

Signature Events Management

• • Provide leadership and direction for all aspects of The House That Love Built Gala and RMHC Golf Classic, including concept development, program design, production, sponsorship, and guest experience.
  • Partner with volunteer committees, vendors, and production teams to deliver exceptional, mission-centered events that meet or exceed fundraising goals.
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and contracts to ensure efficient and high-quality execution.

Community & Third-Party Fundraising

• • Oversee and grow RMHC’s third-party fundraising and community event portfolio, offering tools, resources, and guidance to empower community partners.
  • Ensure consistency with brand standards and donor stewardship practices.

Team Leadership

• • Supervise and mentor the Development Manager - Special Events, fostering growth, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Model a culture of innovation, excellence, and teamwork within the development department.

Relationship Management & Partnerships

• • Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate sponsors, community partners, and key donors.
  • Engage and collaborate with members of the Board of Directors and event committees to leverage networks and increase impact.
  • Represent RMHC with professionalism and enthusiasm at community functions, donor meetings, and public events.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• • Warm, engaging, and mission-driven leader who inspires confidence and enthusiasm.
  • Strategic thinker with a creative, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
  • Skilled collaborator who builds trust and fosters long-term relationships.
  • Highly adaptable and calm under pressure, with impeccable attention to detail.

Education/experience

• • Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in the nonprofit development and fundraising space, with a track record of leading events raising $1M+.
  • Demonstrated success cultivating and managing corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer committees, with proven success in year over year growth of revenue and audience development.
  • Proven success in cultivating and securing significant four- and five-figure gifts for sponsorship and individual giving, through special event fundraising.
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Experience managing and mentoring staff and collaborating across departments.
  • Proficiency with fundraising databases and event software (Raiser’s Edge, Greater Giving, etc.).
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during event seasons.
  • Passion for the mission and values of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Compensation and Benefits

RMHC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including 100% Special Events employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off; life insurance; retirement plan with employer match; and a supportive, mission-focused workplace culture.

Here’s why you’ll love working at RMHC:

Amazing People – We are a collective of dedicated nonprofit professionals, direct service family advocates, social workers, and bilingual housing and facilities teams that make the RMHC House a home away from home.

Caring Environment – Our House is a community where our nurturing staff support and provide services for families who are experiencing unique pediatric medical episodes in their lives; our House sparks joy and celebration to help lighten the heaviness of enduring medical treatments.

Great Location – Our House is nestled in the beautiful Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle, WA along the Burke Gilman trail and a short walking distance from Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Robust Benefits –RMHC offers generous paid time off that includes 10 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 personal days and vacation per our schedule and DOE, 100% employer-paid medical/vision and dental plans, life insurance, and 401(k) retirement savings with an employer match.

Strong History –A Home Away from Home: RMHC of Western Washington and Alaska was established in 1983 with its first House opening in Seattle and serving 22 families. Today we have three facilities in Seattle, including 10 Bone Marrow Transplant Apartments with a total of 105 rooms. Our Anchorage House in Alaska has 34 rooms and is nestled on the 6th floor of the Alaska Native Medical Center’s patient housing. Patients include expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies as well as pediatric patients and their families.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your materials to hr@rmhcseattle.org with Director of Development – Special Events in the subject line.

Priority will be given to candidates who submit resumes by November 30, 2025.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or disability.

RMHC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including 100% Special Events employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off; life insurance; retirement plan with employer match; and a supportive, mission-focused workplace culture.