Speak With Purpose Development Director

Speak with Purpose (SWP) Development Director

Position Title: Development Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried (32 hours per week, exempt)
Location: Hybrid position with flexible office days (Renton, WA)
Direct Supervisor: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Grant Writer (contracted)
Salary Range: Up to $85,000 with an annual salary review
Start Date: Immediately
Position Close Date: Open until filled

Join our team!

About Speak with Purpose (SWP)

Speak with Purpose (SWP) is a pioneering youth public speaking program in Washington State and is the ONLY youth public speaking program seamlessly woven into the fabric of the school day across King County public schools. 

Mission: Through the transformative power of public speaking, SWP empowers young scholars to dismantle dominant narratives, uplift their cultures and communities, forge self-authored identities, and become forces for change.

Vision: We envision a future where every child, sitting silently in the back of the classroom, emerges as a confident leader at the forefront.

POSITION SUMMARY

Speak with Purpose is seeking a dynamic, experienced Development Director to lead the growth of SWP’s fundraising program, strengthen and sharpen cultivation and stewardship practices, refine policies and practices, and staff its leadership. This position will serve as a close thought leader and partner to the executive director (ED) and have the opportunity to work with the board of directors, supporting the knowledge building and engagement of leadership in the fundraising process. The Development Director will lead the planning and implementation of community-centric fundraising programs, ensuring there is a strategic and values-aligned approach to the fundraising process. From the annual fund to major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and special events, this position will develop effective strategies and then lead their implementation. The ideal candidate will be a successful and authentic relationship builder and storyteller, have solicitation experience, drive donor engagement, and ensure inclusive opportunities for volunteerism and in-kind donations. 

With an eye toward building a strong foundation for SWP’s next chapter, there is ample opportunity for the right candidate stepping into this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Strategy & Solicitation (50%)

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for philanthropic giving to support SWP's mission.
• Lead community-centric fundraising strategies that help grow all revenue areas:  annual fund donors, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support. 
• Implement annual fund solicitation plans through events, electronic marketing, and social media.
• Lead annual planning and execution of the Rising Voices showcase transforming the showcase from a “friendraiser” to a “fundraiser”.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors and individual donors, conducting research and developing strategies for engagement. 
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors in collaboration with the ED.
• Supervise and contribute to the writing of solicitations, grant applications, and social media content.
• Develop annual calendar and effectively manage all deadlines: foundation grants, reporting, solicitation schedule.
• Oversee social media marketing efforts related to fundraising campaigns.
• Contribute to and/or manage the production of development marketing materials (sponsorship packages, specific/themed donation requests, materials for fundraising campaigns).

Database Management & Administration (20%)

• Process and enter all incoming development funds in Little Green Light, Givebutter and/or Smartsuite databases; produce timely acknowledgements.
• Document prospect-related activities in the database for ongoing stewardship.
• Complete grant reports according to grant award schedules.
• Ensure data capture and hygiene aligns with best practices.

Board & Executive Support (20%)

• Support Board committees by preparing donor activity lists and materials for board members to use in outreach. 
• Identify, research, and create profiles for major donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners that will help inform strategic ED and board outreach.
• Capture data and notes shared by ED and board members associated with donor engagement and communication.
• Develop tailored marketing materials related to fundraising campaigns for ED and board members to use. 

Analysis (10%)

• Track and manage development budgets to meet financial goals.
• Provide regular, comprehensive data reporting and analysis to the Executive Team and Board related to annual fundraising progress and donor engagement.
• Use data-driven insights to inform annual fundraising strategy. 
• Contribute to the creation of the annual budget with development forecasting.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Familiarity with the Pacific Northwest fundraising ecosystem.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with personal solicitations in person and via phone/email.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Proven track record of successful gift solicitations and achieving revenue goals.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive approach to managing multiple projects.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience with Google Suite and Zoom, and knowledge of/experience with donor database software systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Givebutter and Little Green Light. 
• Experience working in education or youth development fundraising.
• Experience and comfort working with senior level executives and board of directors.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary up to $85,000, depending on experience, with annual reviews.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:

• 100% employer-covered health care for employee (medical, dental and vision)
• Two weeks of paid vacation with immediate 50% accrual
• 18 paid holidays
• Monthly technology stipend
• Flexible hybrid work environment with office days in Renton, WA

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Able to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment; able to remain stationary at a computer for extended periods of time and move around assigned workspace.
• Able to occasionally lift items up to 20lbs and move them to and from various locations.

HOW TO APPLY

Speak with Purpose is actively seeking to create a diverse work environment because teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences. We value a diverse workplace and encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, older members of society, and others from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.

Speak with Purpose provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all applicants and employees adhering to federal, state, and local laws and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know in advance. Please email, swpsearchcommittee@speakwithpurpose.org

To apply: Please send a *cover letter and resume addressed to: Migee Han and Anne Katahira at swpsearchcommittee@speakwithpurpose.org 

*In your cover letter, please share why you believe that you are a good fit for this role and how you are using your voice for the advancement of equity in your community.