Development Director

Company Description

The Inland Northwest Council, Scouting America, offers engaging programs and outdoor adventures that prepare youth for a lifetime of character and leadership. Serving over 10,000 youth across 17 counties in Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle, the organization is committed to fostering leadership skills and strong values in young people. With programs tailored for boys ages 6-20 and young women ages 14-20, the Inland Northwest Council plays a vital role in youth development. Through Scouting, participants gain experiences that help shape them into tomorrow's leaders.

Position Summary

The Development Director provides strategic leadership and hands-on execution for the organization’s fundraising program, with a primary focus on major special events and the cultivation of new revenue sources. This role is responsible for planning and executing three signature fundraising events—a gala, a golf tournament, and a sporting clay tournament—while also leading efforts to secure new funding through grants, foundations, corporate partnerships, and individual donors.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, results-driven fundraiser, and strong project manager who can balance strategy with execution.

Key Responsibilities

Special Events

• Lead the planning, execution, and post-event analysis of three annual signature events: Annual Gala, Golf Tournament, and the Sporting Clays Tournament.
• Develop event timelines, budgets, sponsorship structures, and revenue goals.
• Recruit, manage, and support event committees and volunteer leaders.
• Secure sponsors, underwriters, and auction donors (if applicable).
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure strong attendance, donor stewardship, and event-day logistics.
• Evaluate event performance and implement strategies to grow net revenue year over year.

Revenue Growth & New Fundraising

• Develop and implement strategies to raise new money, including: Foundation and corporate grants, Corporate sponsorships and partnerships, and New individual and major donors.
• Research, identify, and pursue foundation and grant funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Write, submit, and manage grant proposals and reports.
• Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify funding priorities and case statements.

Development Strategy & Leadership

• Participate in the development and execution of the annual fundraising plan.
• Track, analyze, and report fundraising results, trends, and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in the organization’s database.
• Support volunteer leadership, board members, and key stakeholders in fundraising efforts.
• Lead, in conjunction with the Development Committee volunteer, the committee meetings to drive donor growth.
• Ensure fundraising practices align with ethical standards and organizational values.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in special events and donor development.
• Proven experience securing grants and/or foundation funding.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to build relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and community leaders.

Preferred

• Experience managing fundraising events with six-figure revenue goals.
• Knowledge of donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, OneCause, Salesforce, etc.).
• Experience working with boards, committees, or volunteer leadership.
• Familiarity with youth-serving or mission-driven organizations.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Relationship building and donor stewardship
• Event and project management
• Grant writing and proposal development
• Collaboration and leadership
• Results-oriented and data-informed decision-making

Working Conditions

• Some evening and weekend work required, especially around events.
• Occasional local travel for donor meetings and events.

Compensation & Benefits

• $50,000 - $60,000 per year with the possibility of incentives, salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability, a retirement match, and PTO.