Director of Development

Overview

The Director of Development leads REAP's comprehensive fundraising and external communications strategies. Based in REAP’s office in outer Northeast Portland, this role sustains and grows the organization’s financial resources and visibility within the community. The Director oversees all aspects of development, including donor appeals, annual campaigns, sponsorships, foundation and corporate grants, and special fundraising initiatives. Working closely with the Executive Director, the role supports high-level donor and funder cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, and manages systems to ensure effective tracking, reporting, and relationship-building. The Director also leads external organizational communications—developing and executing strategies to increase REAP’s public presence through digital media, storytelling, public relations, and event promotion. The Director participates in organizational events and initiatives to support collaboration across teams and achieve strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and track annual fundraising plan and goals in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Prepare for and support the Executive Director in Board Fundraising Committee meetings.
• Track, document, and report fundraising data.
• Develop plans and systems for retention and advancement of existing donors and identification of new donors.
• Manage REAP’s periodic fundraising appeals.
• Manage and evaluate REAP’s existing corporate sponsorship initiatives.
• Develop and/or support targeted fundraising initiatives; support the Executive Director in all fundraising efforts.
• Participate in REAP events and act as a representative of REAP to the public.
• Perform administrative tasks that support the Development Department.
• Manage grant and annual campaign calendars and prospecting of new donors and funders.
• Coordinate with REAP’s grant writer to identify grant opportunities, assemble grant proposals, and report back to funders regarding grants received, in close collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Solve problems, work in a team environment, manage several issues concurrently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, changing work environment.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content and copy edit internal and external communications (website, social media, newsletters, videos, press releases, grants, event & fundraiser programming copy, and print materials).
• Develop and expand individual giving and monthly donor programs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the department.
• Lead strategy and execution for major fundraising events, ensuring success in sponsorship, donor engagement, and logistics.
• Meet, build, and steward relationships with high-level donors and corporate partners.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and monitor budgets, forecast revenue, and track progress.
• Lead Fundraising Committee and engage Board members in donor cultivation and relationship building.
• Actively contribute to organizational strategy.
• Support coalition activities and execute priorities outlined by the executive staff.

Supervisory Responsibility

Responsible for supervision of REAP’s Marketing Manager, Grant Coordinator, and Grant Writer.

Qualifications

• Core Competencies: Intermediate/Advanced with Microsoft Suite and Google Apps; intermediate/advanced with social media platforms and e-newsletter design.
• Ability to work with highly sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Efficiency Orientation; flexibility; strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Mature Confidence, Integrity, Energy and Stamina, Motivation and Engagement, and emotional intelligence.
• Effective leadership, relationship-building, and excellent people skills; ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries with empathy; problem-solving under pressure; project management experience.
• Strong listening, critical thinking, and presentation skills; maintains professionalism and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally to a wide variety of audiences.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree or related experience with expertise in nonprofit management or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years supervisory/management experience in a comparable setting.
• Minimum of five (5) years fundraising experience, including major gifts, legacy gifts, corporate giving, and foundation grants.
• Intermediate/Advanced proficiency with donor management software; database experience with DRM or CRM software.
• Experience in event planning and coordination.
• Interest and experience in the nonprofit education, youth development, or human services sectors.
• CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) preferred.

EEO/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

REAP is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment, with equal opportunity for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination and strive to foster a culture of belonging. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment and is compliant with applicable laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state/local laws.