Development and Engagement Director

Job Summary

North Cascades Institute seeks an experienced, dynamic, and results-oriented Development and Engagement Director to lead and expand the Institute’s fundraising efforts in support of its mission to inspire environmental stewardship.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, collaborative, and mission-focused, with a strong drive to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities while deepening relationships with existing donors. The Director will foster a culture of philanthropy within the Institute that prioritizes relational over transactional connections. This role also includes leading a creative marketing and communications team that builds awareness and engagement for the Institute’s work.

The Development and Engagement Director oversees a talented team, directly supervising the Donor Relations Manager, Development Coordinator, Grants Manager, and Communications Manager.

With the support of this team, the Director manages all fundraising activities to advance the Institute’s programs, including prospecting, cultivating, and stewarding individual, corporate, and foundation gifts; managing government grants and planned giving; and coordinating the annual appeal, capital campaigns, special initiatives, and events.

The Director also leads the communications team in executing a comprehensive plan that promotes and supports the Institute’s programs and initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic thinking related to marketing and communications to further the Institute’s vision.

This full-time, exempt position is based in Sedro-Woolley, with a combination of in-office and remote work. The role involves occasional travel to the Environmental Learning Center in North Cascades National Park, as well as attendance at off-site events and donor cultivation meetings. Some occasional weekend and evening work is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising (approx. 80%)

• Establish annual fundraising goals (set for 1.4 million dollars in 2025) and strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff, and report on progress regularly.
• Lead individual giving efforts by conducting prospect research, cultivating relationships, facilitating program visits, managing a portfolio of donors, and supporting staff with their portfolios. This includes engaging major donors, planned giving donors, and board members.
• Lead annual appeals and special campaigns.
• Oversee the grants program, supporting staff with foundation proposals and reporting, conducting foundation research, and managing government grants.
• Oversee corporate giving, working with staff on proposals and prospect research, creating sponsorship opportunities for events, and supporting staff with workplace giving and other initiatives.
• Oversee the planning and coordinating of fundraising and cultivation events and activities.
• Collaborate with external consultants as needed for capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.

Communications and Marketing (approx. 10%)

• Oversee the team responsible for all Institute promotional activities, including advertising, events, outreach, social media, print materials, website content, media relations, and monthly newsletter.
• Foster strong collaboration between the programming and communications teams to ensure cohesive messaging and support for Institute programs.

Leadership and Management (approx. 10%)

• Serve as a member of the Institute’s Leadership Team, collaborating with other directors to develop strategies that advance Institute goals and objectives. Respond to challenges and emergencies as needed, and create long-term strategies for resilience and sustainability. Support fellow directors and departments to contribute to the overall success of the Institute.
• Develop and manage the annual income and expense budgets for the department; approve all departmental expenditures; and contribute to the development of the Institute’s overall annual budget.
• Manage the Marketing and Development advisory committee, composed of Board members and community members, as well as any board ad-hoc advisory committees as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications

• Driven to support North Cascades Institute’s mission
• Commitment towards equity, diversity, and inclusion including actively fostering an Institute culture of welcoming and belonging
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience including experience leading and motivating a team to achieve high-level results
• Experience leading long-term donor relationships
• Experience building and maintaining individual giving programs for non-profit organizations
• Experience and success in soliciting five-figure gifts
• Knowledge/proficiency with Salesforce or other fundraising databases
• Strong budgeting, planning, communication, and project management skills
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record for the past three years

Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search, and a driving history check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

About North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 21 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Learn more at www.ncascades.org.