Development Director

About Sawhorse Revolution: Sawhorse Revolution cultivates confident, community-oriented youth through the power of carpentry and craft. Through collective design and construction projects, youth develop practical skills while experiencing- and shaping - how the built environment reflects identity, culture, and community. Students receive professional mentorship, stipends or community service hours, and experience their own power as designers and builders of the world around them, in community with peers and mentors. Since 2010, Sawhorse has served over 1700 youth, built 81 projects, and partnered with over 200 community organizations. Based in South and Southeast Seattle with headquarters in Georgetown, Sawhorse operates one of the most robust youth design-and-build programs in the country.

About the Position: Sawhorse Revolution is looking for an outstanding, experienced Development Director to help grow and sustain the organization’s impact This role leads fundraising strategy and builds the systems, relationships, and campaigns needed to support the long-term growth of Sawhorse’s youth programs.

The Development Director is responsible for securing and growing financial support across three primary revenue streams: corporate contributions, individual giving, and fundraising events. The position also collaborates with the Executive Director and contract grant writer to support foundation and government funding.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys both strategy and direct relationship-building. We are looking for the right person who also demonstrates a lived commitment to building a better world, as well as a nuanced practice of studying the current one.

Role Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy

• Develop and implement annual fundraising plans with the Executive Director.
• Identify opportunities to expand fundraising beyond the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.
• Track fundraising progress and adjust strategies throughout the year.

Donor Relations

• Serve as a core member of the Development Team supporting major donor engagement..
• Attend Board meetings (1–3 annually) and facilitate Development Team meetings
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual and corporate donors.
• Maintain regular donor communications and ensure timely acknowledgements
• Maintain accurate donor records and engagement history in Little Green Light (CRM).

Events

• Lead the planning and execution of Sawhorse’s key fundraising events.Coordinate sponsorship outreach, donor engagement, logistics, and follow-up for :
  • Worker’s Party peer to peer fundraising campaign
  • Cocktail parties for donor cultivation
  • Gingerbread Barn-Raising annual winter gala
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers, Board members, and community supporters to support events and fundraising activities..

Communications and Online Fundraising

• Draft and distribute donor communications including newsletters and fundraising appeals; coordinate messaging with program staff to highlight youth projects and community impact.
• Support GiveBIG and other online fundraising campaigns.

Grants and Program Support

• Support Executive Director and contract grant writer with grant reporting, documentation, and research as needed.
• Maintain relationships with foundation and government funders through stewardship and reporting.
• Participate in staff meetings and occasionally in youth programs to stay connected to the mission

Qualifications: As our next Development Director, you will bring both strategic vision and hands-on skills, thriving in an environment where you can shape fundraising strategy, build systems, and work collaboratively with the Sawhorse team.

Specifically, we are looking for someone with:

• 5–7 years of fundraising experience, including major gifts, individual giving, and donor relationship management. Experience making direct donor asks and securing leadership-level gifts. Development Director experience preferred but not required.
• Experience building or strengthening fundraising programs, including individual giving strategies, donor pipelines, and stewardship systems.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to develop fundraising plans and partner with leadership to support organizational growth.
• Experience working with diverse, multicultural communities, ideally in community-based or youth-serving organizations.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to cultivate donors, corporate partners, and community supporters.
• Experience engaging Boards in fundraising, including coaching board members and facilitating donor introductions.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor narratives, appeals, and proposals.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple fundraising priorities including campaigns, events, and donor stewardship.
• Experience using donor databases and financial data to track relationships and inform strategy (Little Green Light experience is a plus).
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in a lean organization.
• Alignment with Sawhorse’s mission and values, including a belief in hands-on learning, mentorship, and the power of building together to strengthen community.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials by email to admin@sawhorserevolution.org with the subject line “Development Director Application – [Your Name]”:

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the role and relevant experience
• A current résumé

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by April 13, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Sawhorse Revolution is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities to apply.

Benefits include health insurance, retirement match, HSA match, tech, clothing, and wellness stipends, and generous PTO.