Development Director

BACKGROUND

Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) partners with refugee and immigrant women as they work to achieve economic stability. At RAI, artisans overcome barriers to employment through skills and microbusiness training while handcrafting goods from recycled materials.

RAI values diverse perspectives, life experiences, and differences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people of all ages, and veterans.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit: (1) a one-page cover letter sharing what draws you to this role and the experience you’d bring to it; (2) a current resume; to: jobs@refugeesarts.org. Application Deadline: November 30, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director is a senior leadership position responsible for building and executing RAI's comprehensive development strategy to advance the organization's mission and drive sustainable growth. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will lead all fundraising, grant writing, marketing, communications, and special events—managing a portfolio of revenue-generating initiatives aimed at securing $1,000,000+ annually from individual donors, foundations, government, and corporate sponsors. This role supervises development staff members and partners strategically with the Executive Director to strengthen community relationships, expand market presence, and build political and philanthropic support for refugee artisan communities.

This position is suited for an accomplished development professional with deep experience in major gifts cultivation, a strong regional network, and demonstrated success leading development initiatives at growing non-profits. The ideal candidate has experience working with refugee, immigrant, or culturally diverse communities, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is flexible, proactive, and detail-oriented.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy targeting $1,000,000+ in annual development revenue. Identify funding gaps and opportunities; establish and monitor revenue goals across all funding streams. Serve as the primary ambassador to major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Major Gifts & Individual Giving: Build and cultivate a portfolio of major donors ($5,000+ gifts). Conduct prospect research and qualification; develop customized giving strategies; close significant individual gifts. Manage donor stewardship, recognition, and relationships. Lead annual giving campaigns and membership programs.
• Grants, Appropriations Advocacy, & Institutional Funding: Research, write, and submit competitive grant proposals to local, state, and federal funding agencies. Build and maintain relationships with elected officials to advocate for appropriations funding to support workforce development and inclusive economic empowerment. Manage foundation relationships; track grant compliance and reporting. Identify emerging funding opportunities aligned with RAI's strategic priorities.
• Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Identify and cultivate corporate partnerships; develop sponsorship packages for events and programs. Create mutually beneficial relationships that advance RAI's mission while meeting business objectives.
• Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy: Direct all marketing, communications, and public relations efforts across digital and traditional channels. Develop compelling organizational narrative and impact stories; manage social media, website, email campaigns, and promotional materials. Build RAI's visibility and reputation in the Greater Seattle business and philanthropic communities.
• Events & Community Engagement: Plan and execute signature fundraising and community engagement events. Build strategic partnerships with community organizations, cultural institutions, and business groups to expand reach and amplify RAI's impact.
• Budget & Financial Management: Develop and manage the development department budget. Track ROI on fundraising initiatives; prepare financial projections and analysis for leadership and board.
• Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate 2 development staff members. Provide strategic direction, professional development, and performance management. Foster a high-performing, mission-aligned team culture.
• Board Engagement & Reporting: Prepare regular reports on fundraising performance, donor trends, and development metrics for Executive Director and Board. Engage board members in fundraising strategy; support board development committee activities.
• Database Management & Analytics: Maintain accurate donor and prospect database; track giving patterns and donor satisfaction metrics. Generate reports that inform strategic decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 8 years of professional fundraising and development experience in the nonprofit sector, public sector, or values-driven organizations, with demonstrated success leading organizational strategy.
• Track record of building relationships that lead to financial and political support, with strong connections in the greater Seattle area preferred.
• Proven ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts of $10,000+ (minimum of $1M+ cumulative fundraising personally secured).
• Demonstrated success leveraging personal and professional networks to secure significant financial and political support for non-profit organizations.
• Comprehensive experience with multiple fundraising methodologies including major gifts, annual giving, grant writing, corporate partnerships, events, and foundation relations.
• Minimum 3 years of experience supervising and developing staff; demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to build high-performing teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to craft compelling organizational narratives, donor communications, and grant proposals.
• Proficiency with development databases, CRM systems (Bonterra, Salesforce, or similar), and standard office technology.
• History of pursuing professional development in non-profit management, business, communications, or related fields.
• Strategic mindset with ability to balance visionary thinking with operational excellence in a dynamic, growing organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. In addition, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, lift (overhead, waist-level) from the floor and walk up and downstairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work in both office and remote settings depending on the position. The RAI team is small and mighty and the work environment's noise level varies depending on project production, meetings, and points of service in the community.

RAI is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from people with lived experience as refugees or immigrants.