Fuse Washington

Development Director, Washington Trails Association

Development Director

Do you have a passion for hiking trails that might be contagious? If you could save the wilderness from your desk, would you jump at the chance? WTA is looking for an experienced Development Director with a proven track record of managing fundraising programs and building strong relationships. Whether talking up trails at a work party or a cocktail party, candidates should be prepared to make fun the very serious business of protecting and maintaining trails.

The Development Director works with the Executive Director to build relationships with individual donors, as well as private foundations and corporations. The Development Director is responsible for managing strategic cultivation programs, timely solicitation and all ensuing acknowledgment and follow up. The Development Director also supervises the Membership Manager’s implementation of membership acquisition and retention programs.

Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Develops annual fundraising plan within context of multi-year development plan

• Engages board and fundraising committee in fundraising efforts

Donor Development

• Manages cultivation program for donors of all levels, from basic membership to major gifts
• Promotes legacy giving through WTA’s endowments
• Solicits donors at least annually and provides prompt acknowledgment of gifts

• Conducts outreach to workplaces and other non-traditional giving venues

Foundations

• Researches prospective foundations and develops appropriate proposals

• Reports as needed to grantmakers; helps program staff track grant implementation

Corporations

• Manages corporate membership program and related benefits
• Procures corporate sponsors for special events such as TrailsFest and Hike-a-thon

• Engages companies in stewardship and cultivation activities

Membership Acquisition and Retention

• Oversees Membership Manager
• Supports acquisition and renewal solicitations

• Ensures that all member services are executed in a timely and efficient manner

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for Washington Trails Association’s mission
• Excellent attention to detail
• Three years of development experience
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Commitment to teamwork and the ability to work independently
• Ability to juggle rotating deadlines and competing demands

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with InDesign layout and design

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Washington Trails Association, 2019 3rd Ave #100, Seattle, WA 98121, attn: Development Director Search No faxes or emails, please. The position is open until filled.

Washington Trails Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.

With more than 7,000 members, Washington Trails Association is a 30-year-old advocacy organization whose mission is to protect and promote hiking opportunities in Washington state. In addition to working directly with government agencies and educating hikers about how best to enjoy Washington’s natural treasures, WTA manages one of the largest and most successful volunteer trail maintenance programs in the country. Each year, 2,000 volunteers contribute more than 80,000 hours of their time to building water bars, brushing trails, controlling erosion, constructing bridges, and much more.