Director of Development

We are a catalyst for inclusion! Special Olympics Washington is the leader in sports, inclusive health

and community building, empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental

disabilities to be valued on and off the playing field.

Summary: Special Olympics Washington (SOWA) is seeking a results-driven, strategic leader to drive

revenue growth through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising events. The Director of Development

will be a key partner to the VP of Development, providing strategic oversight of fundraising efforts,

expanding donor and corporate engagement, and managing high-impact revenue-generating

events, including the annual Gala. This role will directly contribute to the financial sustainability and

growth of SOWA by leading innovative fundraising initiatives, strengthening relationships with

institutional funders, and ensuring best practices in donor/funder qualification, cultivation, and

stewardship.

The Director will collaborate with the VP of Development and the Development Team to create and

implement strategies to expand fundraising and grant opportunities, hone systems supporting all

aspects of the donor/funder continuum (identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship),

and continue to grow SOWA’s annual signature event fundraisers. The Director will have significant

direct contact with SOWA’s diverse internal and external audiences, including donors, board

members, staff, volunteers, athletes, and SOWA partners.

Four key areas of responsibilities are listed below with associated tasks that encompass

leadership roles spanning supervision, management, cross team integration and innovation:

I. STRATEGIC REVENUE GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP

Collaborate with the VP of Development to set annual gift tables, goals, and targets for all

fundraising sectors, emphasizing organizational funders and the Gala. Work with SOWA to

foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization. Support the assessment of the

Development operation's ROI, ensuring team structure aligns with operational protocols and

organizational goals.

Manage financial aspects of grants and signature events, including budget modifications,

spending and ROI monitoring, reconciliations, and financial reporting, as part of the overall

development budget.

Advocate for SOWA within the community, leveraging networking opportunities to enhance

brand awareness and fundraising potential. Serve as a proxy for the VP of Development

when appropriate.

Collaborate with other departments to integrate development strategies into organizational

plans, particularly with programming and marketing teams. Incorporate DEI principles into

fundraising strategies, ensuring efforts reflect SOWA’s commitment to inclusivity.

Develop training materials and sessions for volunteers and staff involved in fundraising

activities, ensuring alignment with best practices and SOWA values. Design strategies to

involve volunteers in fundraising efforts, recognizing and stewarding their contributions.

Spearhead new fundraising initiatives, including corporate partnerships, major gifts, digital

fundraising, and peer-to-peer campaigns to diversify and increase revenue. Lead the

exploration and implementation of fundraising technologies, such as donor management

systems or CRM upgrades, to streamline development operations.

Mentor and oversee early career development staff and interns to foster career growth and build organizational capacity.

II. GRANT & INSTITUTIONAL FUNDRAISING

Manage all aspects of institutional fundraising, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundation, corporate, and government funders. Ensure proper tracking and reporting of grant requirements in collaboration with program leads to maximize funding impact and compliance. Manage freelance grant writers, providing resources and data for successful grant submissions.

Analyze existing and potential revenue sources for cultivation, feasibility, and profitability. Research potential funders for alignment with program pillars and goals. Lead the engagement of institutional funders, including foundation program officers, corporate CSR teams, and tribal giving representatives. Engage with local and regional stakeholders to advocate for funding priorities that support the organization's mission.

Work closely with program staff to identify funding needs, gather success stories, and demonstrate program impact to funders and donors. Develop and oversee the organization's grant strategy, including pipeline management, proposal writing, compliance tracking, and impact reporting.

III. SIGNATURE EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Lead the strategic planning and execution of the annual Gala and other signature fundraising events to maximize revenue and donor engagement. Supervise the Development and Special Events Manager and internal teams to ensure smooth coordination and delivery of all events, including volunteer management, logistics, and on-site execution.

Develop, manage, and co-lead the Gala volunteer event committee in support of annual fundraising goals. Support the design of tailored sponsorship packages for events, ensuring meaningful engagement and recognition of sponsors before, during, and after events.

Identify and implement best practices for follow-up with event sponsors and guests to maintain and increase engagement. Support the development of a major individual gifts program fueled by new and enduring Gala donors and supporters.

Lead the evaluation of events by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as fundraising goals, attendee engagement, lapsed donors/sponsors and sponsor/partner retention to inform improvements and future planning.

IV. DATA DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS

Implement donor analytics and CRM strategies to track fundraising performance, measure impact, and refine development tactics. Oversee the development team’s use of fundraising technologies, ensuring efficiency in donor management, stewardship, and campaign execution.

Mentor and oversee junior development staff, fostering professional growth and building organizational capacity. Research and implement innovative fundraising approaches, such as peer-to-peer campaigns/crowdfunding and digital fundraising strategies.

Qualifications & Required Skills:

Proven experience in revenue-generating roles within nonprofit fundraising, corporate partnerships, or institutional giving.

Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and institutional funding.

Strong grant writing and management experience, with a track record of securing and stewarding foundation, corporate, and government grants.

Expertise in donor engagement and fundraising strategy, including digital fundraising, peer-to-peer campaigns, and CRM systems.

Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors, sponsors, board members, and volunteers.

Event planning and sponsorship development experience with a focus on maximizing fundraising outcomes.

Ability to analyze fundraising data and drive decision-making based on key performance indicators to include maximizing fundraising ROI.

Experience leading and mentoring teams, ensuring alignment with organizational fundraising goals.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fundraising practices and community engagement.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and fundraising CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Dynamics or similar platforms) with a willingness to learn new/proprietary products if necessary.

Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed for fundraising events and donor engagement.

Experience with the constantly changing dynamics of fundraising strategy development and managing strategic relationships with a professional demeanor.

Foundational knowledge of fundraising methods and best practices; enthusiastic willingness to learn.

Excellent interpersonal skills; poised manner; ability to exercise discretionary judgment and professionally handle sensitive situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Aptitude for taking on difficult challenges and complex situations with positive energy, sound judgment, and utmost integrity.

Superior organizational and time management skills; ability to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern priorities among competing interests; flexibility and adaptability to changing needs; proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.

Ability to write routine correspondence, emails, promotional materials, and event scripts.

A high degree of integrity that garners trust and respect from others.

Ability to walk and lift boxed material – up to 20 pounds.

Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as projects require.

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred with 3+ years of demonstrated nonprofit fundraising experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven track record in major gift solicitation, institutional fundraising, and high-profile event management.

Strong project management skills with a data-driven approach to revenue growth. Experience engaging board members and volunteers in fundraising strategies.

Additional Traits and Attributes:

Proactively takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision, and values of Special Olympics Washington.

Obtains, analyzes, and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity. Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.

Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness, and honesty despite internal and external pressures.

Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in all forms of communication, both verbal and written, one-on-one and in groups.

Shares a passion and commitment for Special Olympics athletes, families, volunteers, and donors, with a commitment to inclusion.