The Director of Development is responsible for leading and managing REAP’s comprehensive fundraising and external communications strategies. Based at REAP’s office in outer Northeast Portland, this position plays a central role in sustaining and growing the organization’s financial resources and visibility within the community. The Director oversees all aspects of development, including donor appeals, annual campaigns, sponsorships, foundation and corporate grants, and special fundraising initiatives.
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Development supports high-level donor and funder cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, while also managing systems and processes to ensure effective tracking, reporting, and relationship-building.
This role is key to creating and maintaining strong, consistent messaging that aligns with REAP’s mission and enhances engagement with stakeholders. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, the Director leads external organizational communications—developing and executing strategies to increase REAP’s public presence through digital media, storytelling, public relations, and event promotion. The Director is also expected to participate in REAP’s broader organizational events and initiatives as needed, supporting collaboration across teams to achieve the organization’s strategic goals.
Essential Functions
- Develop and track annual fundraising plan and goals in coordination with Executive Director.
- Prepare for and support Executive Director in Board Fundraising Committee meetings.
- Track, document, and report fundraising data.
- Develop plans and systems for retention and advancement of existing donors and for identification of new donors.
- Manage REAP’s periodic fundraising appeals.
- Manage and evaluate REAP’s existing corporate sponsorship initiatives.
- Develop and/or support targeted fundraising initiatives; support the Executive Director in all fundraising efforts.
- Participate in REAP events and act as a representative of REAP to the public.
- Performs administrative tasks that support the Development Department
- Manage grant and annual campaign calendars and prospecting of new donors and funders.
- Coordinate with REAP’s grant writer to identify grant opportunities, assemble grant proposals, and report back to funders regarding grants received, in close collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Responsible for problem solving, working in a team environment, manage several issues concurrently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, constantly changing work environment.
- Oversee the creation of compelling content and copy edit internal and external communications - website, social media, newsletters, videos, press releases, grants, event & fundraiser programming copy, and print materials.
- Develop and expand individual giving and monthly donor program.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the department.
- Lead strategy and execution for major fundraising events, ensuring success in sponsorship, donor engagement, and logistics.
- Meet, build and steward relationships with high level donors and corporate partners
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and monitor budgets, forecast revenue and track progress.
- Lead Fundraising Committee and engage Board members in donor cultivation and relationship building.
- Actively contribute to organizational strategy.
- Support coalition activities and execute priorities outlined by the executive staff.
Supervisory Responsibility: Responsible for supervision of REAP’s Marketing Manager, Grant Coordinator, and Grant Writer.
Core Competencies
- Intermediate/Advanced with Microsoft Suite and Google Apps.
- Intermediate/Advanced with social media platforms and e-newsletter design.
- Ability to work with highly sensitive information in a confidential manner.
- Efficiency Orientation – gets the most out of limited resources while achieving quality results.
- Flexibility – responds to changes and others’ ideas comfortably. Ability to exercise tact and judgement in working with a broad variety of people. Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
- Mature Confidence – approaches others assertively, responsibly, and supportively.
- Integrity – Demonstrates honesty and strong values through consistent action.
- Energy and Stamina – Focuses on a high level of energy for the business and manages stress effectively.
- Motivation and Engagement – A motivational leader who energizes individuals, encouraging innovative strategies for approaching work. Demonstrates integrity and strong values through consistent action.
- Emotional intelligence - The ability to truly understand what everyone on the team needs to thrive and feel fulfilled.
- Effective leadership skills that include inspiring and mentoring a team. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries with empathy. Value working in a multicultural environment.
- Relationship building. Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
- Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to build and grow connections with people of all types of backgrounds.
- Experienced transformational leader who is committed to accepting change to support the Mission.
- Ability to manage unexpected challenges with a calm and professional demeanor while maintaining professionalism and a positive service attitude at all times. Results orientated and self-motivated.
- Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or complaints. Proactive, reliable, and consistent. Ability to problem solve and work under pressure. Ability to manage unexpected challenges with a calm and professional demeanor.
- Demonstrates effective project management experience.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to build relationships provide exceptional service attitude. Excellent people skills.
- Ability to represent, effectively and professionally, the organization to a wide variety of audiences.
- Sharp listening skills and critical thinker. Results driven and possess exceptional problem-solving and research skills.
- Maintains professionalism and a positive service attitude at all times. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Ability to work with highly sensitive information in a confidential manner.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Education/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or related experience with expertise in Nonprofit Management, or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory/management experience in a comparable setting.
- Minimum of five (5) years fundraising experience.
- Experience with major gifts, legacy gifts, corporate giving, and foundation grants.
- Intermediate/Advanced proficiency with donor management software. Database experience (especially with DRM or CRM software.
- Experience in event planning and coordination.
- Interest and experience in the non-profit education, youth development, or human services sectors.
- CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) preferred.
AAP/EEO/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement
REAP is committed to bringing together humans from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe and welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We strive to create a diverse & inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and do impactful work together.
As an equal opportunity employer, we prohibit any unlawful discrimination against a job applicant on the basis of their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, family or parental status, disability*, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We respect the laws enforced by the EEOC and are dedicated to going above and beyond in fostering diversity across our workplace. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence compensation, and training.
Employees with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on REAP.
