Senior Development Manager

Senior Development Manager

Northwest Education Access is seeking a dynamic Senior Development Manager to lead our fundraising efforts and help transform lives through education.

About Northwest Education Access

Northwest Education Access (NWEdA) is breaking barriers and changing lives throughout the greater Puget Sound region. We provide comprehensive, individualized support to help low-income young people ages 16-29 build their own path to higher education and beyond. Our evidence-based model—the only one like it in Washington State—specializes in re-engaging young people who have left high school prior to completion or didn't transition straight to postsecondary education.

We're more than an organization; we're a community committed to antiracist practices, continuous inquiry, and creating spaces where all identities are valued and welcome. Our work is guided by the belief that every young person, regardless of income or background, deserves access to postsecondary opportunities.

The Opportunity

Position: Senior Development Manager
Salary: $80,667 - $96,333 + comprehensive benefits
Location: Flexible hybrid schedule (Tukwila office + remote work)
Schedule: Full-time with some evening/weekend commitments

Are you ready to take your fundraising career to the next level? This expanded role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within an organization that values innovation, equity, and results-driven approaches. You'll serve as our primary development professional, working directly with the Executive Director to shape the future of NWEdA's fundraising program.

What You'll Do

Lead Strategic Fundraising (40% of role)

• Major Gift Leadership: Partner with the Executive Director on major gift cultivation and stewardship
• Corporate Partnerships: Drive corporate fundraising initiatives and sponsorship development
• Annual Giving: Lead comprehensive donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade strategies
• Monthly Giving Program: Oversee and grow our sustained giving community
• Board Engagement: Support board fundraising activities and prepare monthly reports
• Strategic Communications: Develop donor communication strategies including appeals and newsletters

Manage Dynamic Events (25% of role)

• Event Leadership: Plan and execute fundraising events from intimate gatherings to large community celebrations
• Innovation: Research and launch new revenue-generating events aligned with our mission
• Vendor Management: Coordinate all event logistics and vendor relationships
• Community Building: Create volunteer committees and strengthen community engagement
• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage event budgets with financial accountability

Ensure Operational Excellence (20% of role)

• Database Management: Maintain donor records and process gifts from multiple platforms
• Technology Systems: Utilize Little Green Light and other fundraising technologies
• Financial Coordination: Collaborate with Finance Director on quarterly reconciliations
• Quality Control: Ensure data accuracy and system security

Drive Communications & Marketing (15% of role)

• Digital Presence: Manage website content and coordinate social media strategy
• Content Creation: Develop compelling materials featuring student stories and program impact
• Newsletter Production: Coordinate regular communications with donor-focused content
• Annual Reporting: Lead annual report production and content development

What We're Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to racial equity and social justice in education
• Proven Experience: 4-5+ years of nonprofit fundraising with demonstrated revenue generation success
• Strategic Leadership: Experience developing fundraising strategies and leading program evaluation
• Event Expertise: Significant nonprofit event planning experience including budget and vendor management
• Communications Skills: Strong experience with appeals, newsletters, social media, and donor correspondence
• Cultural Competency: Ability to navigate sensitive interpersonal situations with active listening and compassion
• Inclusive Storytelling: Proven ability to create asset-based narratives for underrepresented communities
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable with Google Suite, donor databases, and growing interest in AI tools
• Transportation: Valid WA driver's license and reliable vehicle access

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Little Green Light or similar donor database systems
• Graphic design or marketing skills
• Background in education or youth development
• Online fundraising platform experience

Why You'll Love Working With Us

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Generous PTO: 3-5 weeks vacation (increases with tenure), 2 weeks sick leave, 16 paid holidays including your birthday
  
• Health & Wellness: Full medical, vision, and dental coverage for you; 50% coverage for one dependent
  
• Retirement: Employer 401k contribution that grows with tenure (1-3%)
  
• Professional Development: $400 annual stipend plus regular internal training opportunities
  
• Work-Life Balance: $20 monthly phone reimbursement, mileage support, flexible schedule, and calendar independence
  
• Community: Annual collective week of rest in December and an amazing team that values work-life balance

Growth & Impact

• Direct partnership with Executive Director on strategic initiatives
• Leadership role on External Relations Committee and Fundraising Committee
• Opportunity to shape the future of our fundraising program
• Potential management responsibilities for development intern
• Meaningful work supporting young people in achieving their educational dreams

Ready to Make a Difference?

Priority Application Deadline: October 3, 2025

To apply, visit: https://nweducationaccess.bamboohr.com/careers

Submit:

Timeline

• Applications Due: October 3, 2025 (priority deadline)
• Interview Invitations: October 10, 2025
• First Round Interviews: October 20-24, 2025
• Final Interviews: Ocotber 27-31st
• Desired Start Date: Mid-November

Northwest Education Access is committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Questions? Learn more about our vision, mission, and values at nweducationaccess.org.

Join us in creating educational pathways that transform lives and communities.