Pay: $90,000 – $105,000 per year

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: $90,000 – $105,000 DOE and correlated with FTE negotiations
Hours: 0.75 FTE (30 hours/week) to start, with room for growth to full-time (negotiable)
Open Until Filled. Priority consideration by February 16.

Benefits Package:

• Accrued paid annual leave

• 12 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Retirement benefits

About YWCA Bellingham

YWCA Bellingham is a 119-year-old nonprofit organization with four physical locations in Bellingham, WA. We have a 10-member Board of Directors, 22 staff members, and a $1.9 million annual budget.

We are part of a national network of YWCA organizations with the shared mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, and freedom for all.

We provide:

• Affordable housing

• Emergency shelter and case management for female-identifying women and their children

• Economic, social justice, and personal empowerment programming

YWCA Bellingham is committed to providing a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all identities and backgrounds. We foster a compassionate yet accountable culture that models our mission.

We don’t believe in a “perfect” candidate. If you’re excited to be part of a high-performance team advancing the YWCA mission, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Development Director is a new strategic leadership role responsible for fundraising and donor engagement. This role partners closely with the CEO and Board to build a robust development program that ensures long-term financial sustainability.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Individual giving

• Foundation grants

• Leading three annual community events

• Managing the full donor lifecycle

• Strategically deploying the CEO for major gifts

Initial priorities include assessing current fundraising efforts, building relationships with leadership and Board committees, and supporting two key fundraising events: a May gala and September community luncheon.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising, Resource Development & Donor Cultivation

• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual and long-term fundraising plans

• Manage portfolio of individual donors, major gifts, and foundation grants

• Oversee donor lifecycle: cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, retention

• Develop donor engagement and recognition strategies

• Strategically deploy the CEO for major gift cultivation

• Manage donor database systems and ensure data integrity

• Identify new funding opportunities

• Maintain accurate donor and sponsor records

• Collaborate with staff and Board on major gifts, partnerships, and legacy giving

Fundraising Events

• Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of three annual fundraising events

• Collaborate with staff and Board committees on event work plans

• Develop revenue goals, budgets, timelines, and sponsorship strategies

• Improve ROI and reduce expenses

• Coordinate staff, volunteers, and Board members

• Develop additional engagement opportunities with community partners

• Ensure events reflect YWCA values

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Partner with CEO to secure foundation grants

• Assist and lead grant writing as able

• Collaborate with program and finance staff on budgets and reporting

Donor & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners

• Serve as YWCA ambassador at meetings and presentations

• Participate in community outreach and networking opportunities

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with CEO and Board to advance fundraising goals

• Collaborate with Communications Manager on aligned messaging

• Capture client stories (with permission) to demonstrate impact

• Participate in Board meetings and committees as requested

• Maintain resident confidentiality

• Serve on Management Team

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Fundraising, Communications, Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration, or related field

• Two years of leadership/supervisory experience

• Four years of major donor cultivation or sales experience

• Four years of event planning experience

• Proven track record of successful fundraising

• Public speaking experience

• Grant writing and reporting experience

• Budget management experience

• Experience working with diverse groups

• Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong organizational and independent work skills

• Effective verbal and written communication

• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills

• Understanding of gender and racial equity, homelessness, and poverty

• Ability to draft professional reports

• Support YWCA mission and values

• Adaptable, self-motivated, high energy

Other Requirements

• Valid WA driver’s license

• Valid insurance and 3-year driving abstract

• Ability to pass background check

Employment Details

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Retirement plan

• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person
Relocation: Bellingham, WA 98225 (Preferred before start date)

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and cover letter addressing how your experience, qualifications and interests align with this position to alle@ywcabellingham.org by March 1st.