Development Director

POSITION FOCUS

The Development Director leads resource mobilization and relationship-building efforts that sustain and grow Na’ah Illahee Fund’s mission. This role holds responsibility for fundraising strategy, donor and funder stewardship, grant development, development operations, and communications that invite partners into shared commitment to Indigenous-led futures. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director, board, staff, and community partners to ensure long-term financial resilience grounded in cultural values and accountability.

KEY OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE

• Build and steward strong donor and funder relationships that advance Indigenous-led solutions
• Design and execute a fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities
• Secure diverse and sustainable revenue streams
• Strengthen Na’ah Illahee Fund’s visibility and storytelling with integrity
• Maintain effective development systems and data practices
• Support healthy internal collaboration and shared leadership culture
• Supervise and grow the development function as needed

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ROLE

Relational Fundraising Strategy & Planning (25%)

• Design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities, community accountability, and long-term sustainability. Develop annual fundraising goals, revenue projections, and donor engagement plans in partnership with the Executive Director and board. Establish fundraising policies and procedures that support ethical and culturally aligned practices.

Donor & Partner Relations (25%)

• Cultivate, steward, and grow authentic relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, public funders, and community allies. Partner with the Executive Director on major donor stewardship strategy. Create meaningful engagement opportunities reflecting Indigenous values of reciprocity and respect. Maintain donor prospect lists and conduct donor research to identify new opportunities. Build relationships with media, government, and community partners as appropriate to advance fundraising opportunities.

Grant Development & Management (20%)

• Lead grant prospecting, proposal development, reporting, and funder communications. Translate community-driven priorities into compelling funding proposals. Collaborate with Program and Finance/Admin teams to develop grant materials and budgets. Maintain grant calendars, compliance systems, and reporting schedules.

Communications, Brand & Storytelling (10%)

• Oversee and support development-related communications, website management, comms consultant, and brand materials for audience development and donor engagement. Produce fundraising literature, reports, and outreach content that honor Indigenous communities, cultural protocols, and data sovereignty. Support visibility efforts that strengthen public understanding of Na’ah Illahee Fund’s mission and impact.

Development Operations & Events (10%)

• Manage donor engagement and fundraising events in collaboration with event committees, including event design, sponsorship solicitation, and logistics. Maintain accurate fundraising records, gift processing, receipts, and contribution tracking. Partner with Finance/Admin to develop and maintain donor databases and data systems. Direct external consultants or vendors supporting fundraising efforts as needed.

Team & Organizational Collaboration (5%)

• Work closely with staff, leadership, and board to align development efforts with programmatic priorities. Provide support to program leads on events and initiatives. Contribute to organizational planning, budgeting, and evaluation of fundraising effectiveness. Travel as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities (5%)

• Oversee development staff or contractors as applicable. Assign and plan work, provide coaching and support, and conduct performance evaluations. Participate in hiring, supervision, and staff development in alignment with organizational values and policies.

DAILY RHYTHM AND MONTHLY RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily / Weekly

• Donor and funder outreach, follow-ups, and relationship care
• Grant writing, proposal preparation, and reporting
• Coordination with Executive Director, staff, and Finance/Admin
• Donor database updates and record maintenance
• Communications and storytelling tasks

Monthly / Quarterly

• Review progress toward fundraising goals
• Board and leadership updates on development activities
• Donor stewardship touchpoints and cultivation planning
• Grant calendar review and reporting submissions
• Event planning and sponsorship outreach
• Evaluation of fundraising strategies and pipeline health

Annually

• Develop annual fundraising plan and revenue projections
• Produce donor and impact reports
• Execute major fundraising and donor engagement events
• Refresh donor prospect research
• Support strategic planning and budgeting processes

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising and donor stewardship
• Strong grant writing and proposal development skills
• Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with care and clarity
• Experience with donor databases and digital communication tools
• Comfort working across diverse communities and teams
• Self-directed, collaborative, and adaptable working style
• Commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, equity, and justice

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Lived experience as an Indigenous person or extensive experience in Indigenous-led spaces
• Knowledge of philanthropic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest
• Experience in intermediary or regranting fund models
• Familiarity with event-based fundraising
• Supervisory or team leadership experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in an office 3 days a week with 2 days of remote work, with regular computer-based work, occasional event support, and periodic travel. Flexibility in hours may be required to accommodate events, deadlines, or community engagement activities.

WHAT WE OFFER

Meaningful work advancing Indigenous-led futures • Flexible and supportive team culture • Opportunities for growth, learning, and shared leadership • Work grounded in reciprocity and community accountability

BENEFITS

• Employer covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees
• Basic Life, AD&D, FSA, and commuter benefit (ORCA card)
• 401K with employer match to support your financial future
• Professional development and home office stipend
• Generous PTO, including holidays, sick leave, cultural leave, and vacation