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Northwest Academy · 1 day ago

Director of Development

Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$85K/yr - $105K/yr

5+ years exp

Northwest Academy is a progressive, arts-integrated school located in downtown Portland, seeking a Director of Development to partner with the new Head of School and build a culture of philanthropy. The role involves strategic leadership in fundraising, community engagement, and enhancing the school's presence within Portland's arts and nonprofit ecosystems.

EducationPrimary EducationSecondary Education

Responsibilities

Partner with the Head of School to develop and implement a multi-year advancement strategy that aligns with mission, values, and institutional priorities

Lead campaign strategy, including readiness, case-making, donor engagement, messaging, and volunteer management

Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to institutional culture, planning, and vision

Strengthen systems, processes, and data management to ensure accountability and excellence

Implement all fundraising initiatives: annual giving, major gifts, capital and endowment campaigns, grant-writing, annual gala, and planned giving, including associated record and data management

Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects

Partner with the Head of School and Board on high-level cultivation and stewardship

Build modern stewardship practices that reflect the school’s values and creativity

Increase participation and pride across all constituent groups

Work in partnership with admissions and marketing to unify storytelling and brand identity

Design events and engagement opportunities that celebrate mission and vision

Expand Northwest Academy’s presence in Portland’s arts, nonprofit, and civic ecosystems

Cultivate and mobilize a diverse corps of volunteers, from parents and guardians to alumni, grandparents, and arts partners

Qualification

Fundraising experienceMajor gifts successCampaign experienceGrant writingFundraising CRMDiversity commitmentCommunication skillsEmotional intelligence

Required

Bachelor's degree required

5+ years in development, ideally in education, arts organizations, or mission-driven nonprofits

Demonstrated success with major gifts

Campaign experience (design and implementation)

Experience building or leading development programs

Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging

Exceptional emotional intelligence paired with an equally strong instinct for impact

Grant writing experience

Preferred

Experience using fundraising CRMs, Raiser's Edge preferred

Experience using fundraising event software, Greater Giving preferred

Benefits

Health insurance including Dental & Vision paying 100% of the employee’s Base Plan health premiums (Buy-up options and dependent coverage paid by employee)

Employer Paid Life Insurance for employee (Buy up options and dependent coverage paid by employee)

Employer Paid ID Protection coverage for employee (dependent coverage paid by employee)

403(b) vested on day 1, employer match after 1200 hours worked

Paid time off (2 weeks)

Summer Vacation (2 weeks during the summer)