Manager of Community Investments

Rainier Athletes’ Story

Rainier Athletes (RA) champions the unlimited possibility of our youth in and out of the classroom by igniting connection through 1:1 mentorship, self-discovery, and access to opportunity. Each RA student is paired with a dedicated mentor who meets with them weekly, from 4th grade through high school graduation and beyond. Students are fully sponsored to participate in the sports and activities of their choice, from robotics to baseball. Our org was founded in 2013 with one mentor and three students at one school, and now we’ve grown to a community of over 1,000 students, mentors, family members, teachers, and coaches at 15 sites across the Bellevue School District. This past year, RA’s first cohort of 5th graders graduated from college!

Why Work for RA

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, mission-minded development leader to help shape the future of a fast-growing organization and make a lasting, generational impact in the lives of students and families in our community.

You’ll be joining a purpose-driven, equity-centered organization with a deeply committed and expanding base of support, a small but mighty team, and a culture of collaboration and creativity.

We are at a powerful moment in our growth: our impact model is strong, our community of support is energized, and our strategic goals are ambitious. With a diverse funding base that includes individual investors, foundations, corporate partners, and creative campaigns, we’re poised for long-term sustainability—and we’re looking for a development leader to help us take the next leap forward.

Position Summary

As RA’s Community Investments Manager, you partner directly with RA’s Founder and Executive Director to be the driving force behind Rainier Athletes’ fundraising success and long-term sustainability. Equal parts strategist, relationship-builder, and storyteller, you are a key leader responsible for executing a high-performing, inspiring, and equity-driven development program. This role is structured with a clear path toward promotion: we expect that a successful candidate will be considered for elevation to a Director-level position within approximately 18 months.

You are:

• Both an internal and external brand ambassador for the organization, inspiring a positive culture of philanthropy amongst RA staff and recognized throughout our region as the mission-amplifying champion of RA.
• Eager to leverage data systems, and digital tools to elevate donor engagement, personalize stewardship, and strengthen team capacity. You understand that fundraising today is both deeply human and increasingly tech-powered.
• A big picture thinker who will deepen connections with our existing network of supporters and partners while constantly seeking new revenue opportunities.
• Energized by ambitious goals and thrive in the pursuit of creative, meaningful fundraising wins.
• Politically astute and emotionally intelligent.
• Deeply committed to centering RA students, with unwavering integrity.

Responsibilities & Duties

Strategic Fund Development (55%)

• Visionary Fundraising Leadership: Co-design and lead the execution of a dynamic, data-informed development strategy that drives ambitious fundraising goals across major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and innovative campaigns.
• Growth & Innovation: Actively scan for new, sustainable revenue streams while deepening relationships with current donors through personalized, values-aligned engagement. Stay attuned to emerging trends and evolving needs in the philanthropic landscape.
• Creative Campaign Design: Execute story-driven campaigns that spark action and resonate across diverse audiences—going beyond transactional asks to build long-term, meaningful connections.
• Major Donor Cultivation: Lead strategy and relationship management for major donors, partnering with the Executive Director and Board to engage, steward, and secure transformational gifts. Represent RA with presence and credibility in high-stakes donor conversations.
• Grant Development: Lead strategy and relationship-building efforts to position RA for high-impact, invitation-only grants.
• Corporate & Foundation Partnerships: Identify and nurture creative, mutually beneficial partnerships with corporate sponsors and philanthropic institutions. Prioritize collaborations that are mission-aligned, go beyond sponsorships, and offer shared value through storytelling, employee engagement, volunteerism and long-term engagement.
• Tech-Forward Fundraising: View technology as essential to excellence. Actively collaborate with the Director of Development Systems to integrate tools—like automation, analytics, and CRM systems—that enhance donor engagement and streamline operations, and build a scalable fundraising engine.
• Fundraising Events: Lead the vision and execution of high-impact events that elevate RA’s mission, center student and family voices, and inspire both giving and community-building.
• Performance, Process & Insight: Use data to lead with intention. Partner with the Director of Development Systems to track performance, evaluate ROI, and continuously refine strategies for maximum impact. Be deeply invested in improving systems and processes—building in time to reflect, learn, and optimize how we work as we grow.
• Organizational Representation: Serve as the inspirational, outward-facing ambassador of Rainier Athletes. Proactively seek out and earn invitations to local events, serving as a compelling and credible representative of the organization—strengthening RA’s visibility, trust, and momentum within the philanthropic community.

Organizational Leadership (45%)

• Culture & Team Leadership: Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture rooted in curiosity, empathy, and excellence. Lead and collaborate with an existing development team to align efforts and build trust across the organization.
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with the Executive Director, RA Board, mentors/volunteers and direct program staff to ensure development goals are embedded in broader organizational strategy and budget.
• Board Engagement: Serve as a strategic bridge between the development team and the Board of Directors, leading and inspiring both the Resource Development Committee and broader Board. Provide the tools, structure, and coaching necessary to empower Board members as confident, effective fundraisers and ambassadors for RA’s mission.
• Storytelling & Advocacy: Act as a public ambassador and strategic communicator, consistently sharing RA’s mission, vision, and impact in ways that build trust, celebrate the unlimited possibility of RA youth, and inspire sustained action.
• Equity: Model and promote community-centric fundraising principles in all relationships and strategies.
• Strategic Thought Partner: Serve as a key member of the leadership team, providing input on big-picture decisions and organizational direction.

Benefits

• 100% Employer Sponsored Health, Vision and Dental
• Flexible Time Off + Holidays and Employer Mandated Wellness Days
• $80-100K salary range, dependent on relevant experience
• Flexible Work From Home Arrangements (depending on business needs)
• Professional Development Stipend
• Office Amenities - 24/7 access, espressos, kombucha, sparkling water, Thursday happy hours, access to newly renovated gym/showers

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• At least 3 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience; large scale gala style event, multi-year giving and major gift experience strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of the full development spectrum (annual giving, major gifts, grants, events, planned giving)
• Track record of designing and executing successful fundraising strategies that meet or exceed goals
• Compelling and confident communicator with excellent storytelling skills across written, verbal, and visual formats
• Demonstrated ability to build and steward authentic, values-aligned relationships with diverse donors and partners
• Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to innovate, test, and adapt
• Politically savvy and relationally intelligent; able to navigate complex stakeholder environments with integrity and grace
• Proficient with Salesforce or equivalent donor CRM platforms
• Technology minded - understand the power of modern technology solutions and how they can enhance our fundraising efforts
• Demonstrated commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles in fundraising and team leadership
• Collaborative spirit and experience working on a small, agile team
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid driver’s license required