Development Director

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our team in an expanded Development Director role that will help propel our organization’s growth! As we continue our mission to make boating more accessible, we’re seeking passionate candidates eager to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re looking for a long-term leadership role or a Interim position with a fixed end date, we welcome applicants excited to help shape this new role and contribute to our evolving vision. If you’re ready to bring fresh ideas and energy to a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you!

Position Overview:

The Development Director provides leadership to The Center for Wooden Boats’ (CWB) efforts to secure financial and community support, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization. This role oversees all fundraising activities, including annual and major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, planned giving, and capital campaigns. The Development Director also manages marketing and communications strategies to strengthen CWB’s visibility and community ties. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position plays a key role in strategic planning and works collaboratively across departments to advance CWB’s mission of preserving maritime heritage and providing hands-on learning experiences.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Fundraising & Donor Relations
  • Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and planned giving.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners to enhance engagement and philanthropic support.
  • Oversee donor recognition programs and ensure timely, personalized acknowledgments.
• Capital Campaign & Grants
  • Lead and manage capital campaign initiatives, working closely with the Capital Campaign Manager.
  • Identify, research, and apply for grants that align with CWB’s mission, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
  • Track grant deadlines, applications, and funding progress.
• Membership & Community Engagement
  • Oversee the Membership Coordinator to develop and implement strategies for membership growth, retention, and engagement.
  • Analyze membership trends to inform outreach efforts and enhance member experiences.
  • Strengthen relationships with the broader community to expand CWB’s network of supporters.
• Marketing & Communications
  • Develop and oversee marketing and communications strategies to promote fundraising efforts and organizational initiatives.
  • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all platforms, including newsletters, social media, website, and press materials.
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams to create compelling content that engages donors, members, and the public.
• Events & Campaigns
  • Plan and execute fundraising events, donor receptions, and membership appreciation initiatives.
  • Manage annual giving campaigns, including digital fundraising, direct mail, and special appeals.
  • Coordinate with program and marketing teams to align fundraising initiatives with organizational priorities.
• Budgeting & Reporting
  • Develop and manage the development department’s budget, ensuring financial goals are met.
  • Maintain accurate records of fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and grant tracking.
  • Generate reports to evaluate development performance and inform strategic decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5-7 years of nonprofit fundraising, development, or related experience, with a track record of securing major gifts and managing campaigns.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing staff and volunteers.
  • Expertise in donor cultivation, grant writing, and corporate partnership development.
  • Familiarity with donor management software (Salesforce) and digital marketing tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
  • Passion for CWB’s mission and commitment to preserving maritime heritage and hands-on learning.
• Preferred
  • Extensive knowledge of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
  • Familiarity with Seattle’s donor community
  • Experience Sailing or Boating
  • Experience with Wooden Boats

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to employment@cwb.org