Development Director

Wenatchee River Institute seeks a passionate storyteller who can build a fundraising program that will result in the long-term health and sustainability of our organization. The Development Director will work collaboratively with the new Executive Director to determine development and communication strategy and will be responsible for their implementation. Development Director will be responsible for the generation of philanthropic revenue, securing corporate sponsorships, grants, planned giving, bequests, and individual donations. Connecting with donors and building relationships with our community will also be primary responsibilities for the Development Director.  

The qualifications below are indicative of the types of candidates we are seeking for the role. However, we realize that a wonderful candidate may bring a wealth of experience that is not described in this list, and we encourage people with a passion for the work to apply, regardless of if they have all the desired qualifications. 

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has a passion for our mission and can comfortably communicate that passion with donors and the community.
• Is outgoing and has a passion for customer service that makes people feel cared for and special.
• Easily builds and maintains relationships, nurtures new connections and retains old ones.
• Knows or is excited to learn the best practices of development, to employ them and to keep current on them.
• Seeks to understand the diversity of our valley and can reflect on the ways the dominant culture continues to influence the power structure of the communities that reside and play here.
• Can manage and analyze complicated data sets in order to see the information that will help us identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward donors and funding partners.
• Has experience with a donor management software or CRM (Bloomerang in particular).
• Is an excellent writer capable of writing compelling appeals to donors and grant makers.
• Fluidly moves between modes of communication as it fits the audience best: public speaking, chats, telephone, social media, and written correspondence.  

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in a science or education organization, with experience cultivating individual donors, soliciting corporate giving and sponsorships, and grant writing.
• An advanced degree (or equivalent work experience) with credentials, or skills on par, that indicate the training and ability to think and communicate effectively.
• Known for participation in community-based organizations, building relationships with Board members, volunteers, and community leaders.
• English in fluency; Spanish fluency would be a bonus.
• Proven ability to develop and implement development and communication plans, budgets, prioritize workload and supervise employees.
• Outstanding written and verbal and presentation skills coupled with the ability to influence others in a positive manner while accurately representing WRI on a variety of issues.
• Exhibit humility, compassion, a sense of humor and the ability to collaborate with a diverse array of people.  

How To Apply

• Please send your cover letter and resume to admin@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org.
• Please put “Development Director – Candidate Last Name” in the subject line. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Please, no phone calls.
• Based on submission of resume and cover candidates will be offered an initial interview, final candidates will be asked to complete a job history application, submit a writing sample, provide references, complete a background check and a final interview.
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling deadline, with consideration beginning immediately.
• We will look for the successful candidate to begin work in spring or early summer 2023.

The Wenatchee River Institute is committed to an anti-racist practice rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC individuals (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), women, gender nonconforming folx, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.