The Opportunity
Classics Northwest, home of multi-Grammy winning cellist and Artistic Director Zuill Bailey, is searching for an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Director of Development to build and lead a thriving fundraising program from the ground up. Under the artistic leadership of world-renowned Zuill Bailey, we present exceptional classical music experiences while deepening our “In Concert. In Community.” commitment through education, outreach, and accessible programming across the Inland Northwest.
This is a rare, career-defining role for a relationship-driven fundraiser who thrives on autonomy, loves (or is eager to deeply engage with) classical music, and wants to shape donor strategy, systems, and culture alongside an exceptional Artistic Director and Executive Director. You will have significant ownership in a small, mission-driven organization with loyal audiences and growing potential.
About Classics Northwest
Classics Northwest presents the Pacific Northwest's premier classical music festival experience. We reach 3,500+ active email subscribers and a base of 6,000 individual and household contacts, a strong, loyal foundation ready to grow into deeper philanthropic investment. This role is the catalyst that takes us to the next level, expanding our reach while sustaining the world-class artistic excellence our region has come to expect.
Position Summary
As the organization’s sole dedicated development professional, you will design and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, build and manage a portfolio of 200-300 donors (including 125-150+ active relationships), achieve an initial annual fundraising goal of $400,000-$500,000. Key priorities include securing 3-6 major underwriting gifts of $20,000-$50,000 annually, 6-10 sponsorship gifts of $5,000-$10,000 with signed agreements, and growing the Annual Fund through at least three general solicitations annually (targeting $20,000+ within the first three years).
Simultaneously, the Director will begin building a planned giving program by identifying legacy giving prospects, cultivating conversations around charitable estate planning, and developing strategies to encourage bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred gifts that strengthen the long-term sustainability of Classics Northwest.
You will lead the selection and implementation of a modern donor CRM, migrate and segment existing records, and establish the foundational systems, processes, and donor relationships that sustain long-term growth. This role requires a self-starter who can operate with significant autonomy while working in close partnership with the Executive Director, providing regular progress reports, fundraising updates, strategic recommendations, and collaborating with the Artistic Director.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship (Primary Focus)
- Build and manage a portfolio of 200-300 donors with a focus on personalized, high-touch cultivation and solicitation.
- Identify, cultivate, and close 3-6 major underwriting gifts annually ($20k-$50k range) and 6–10 sponsorship/underwriting gifts ($5k–$10k) with signed agreements.
- Plan and execute a minimum of three annual general solicitations to grow the Annual Fund.
- Prepare timely, compelling proposals, contact reports, and development materials.
- Facilitate donor pledge fulfillments, including Board giving, and ensure prompt, personalized gift acknowledgments (a top priority).
- Begin identifying and cultivating planned giving prospects as part of long-term pipeline development.
Systems, CRM & Infrastructure
- Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing management of a modern donor CRM platform.
- Successfully migrate and segment the existing 3,500+ email subscribers and 7,500 verified contacts to create actionable donor intelligence and segmentation strategies.
Communications, Collaboration & Events
- Develop and maintain a donor communications plan that is informative, inspirational, and appropriately timed.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director on donor-facing communications and with the Artistic Director on strategies that connect donors more deeply to the artistic mission and experience.
- Identify and enlist key community influencers to support development initiatives.
- Attend all public concerts and assist with events as requested; represent Classics Northwest in the community.
Strategy & Organizational Contribution
- Design and execute an annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals, with clear metrics and adaptability.
- Gather and share donor and community intelligence with the Executive Director and Board.
- Support other fundraising priorities and contribute to a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience, including 3-5 years of full-time fundraising.
- Demonstrated success in face-to-face solicitation of gifts of $50,000 or more.
- Proven ability to plan and execute a fund drive or development initiative from conception to realization.
- Strong proposal writing and submission track record.
- Self-starter mentality with demonstrated success building systems and working effectively with significant autonomy in a small-staff or entrepreneurial environment.
Who You Are
You are an entrepreneurial relationship-builder who combines strong donor instincts with organizational discipline and follow-through. You communicate persuasively in writing and in person, remain poised under pressure, and earn the confidence of major donors, board members, and community leaders. You are energized by autonomy, motivated by mission, and skilled at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, small-team environment. You bring a growth mindset and are excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside world-class artists.
Why Join Classics Northwest
- Shape an entire development program and leave a legacy in Spokane’s classical music community.
- Work directly with internationally acclaimed Artistic Director Zuill Bailey and Executive Director Gertrude Harvey.
- High autonomy and ownership in a mission-driven organization with loyal supporters and exciting growth trajectory.
- Competitive compensation and benefits in a vibrant arts community.
- The chance to combine your fundraising expertise with a genuine love of music and community impact.
What Success Looks Like—Year One
Q1: CRM platform selected and implemented; all existing contact records migrated and segmented; comprehensive fundraising plan finalized.
Q2: Active donor portfolio of 150+ relationships established; first major gift and sponsorship solicitations underway.
Q3: First Annual Fund solicitation executed; at least 3 sponsorship agreements secured.
Q4 / End of Year One: $400,000+ raised; full fundraising plan and systems in place for Year Two growth.
How to Apply
Submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line: Director of Development Application
- Cover letter describing your fundraising philosophy and why Classics Northwest inspires you.
- Current resume.
- One writing sample (proposal or donor letter preferred).
- Three professional references.
Position open until filled. Early applications encouraged.
Classics Northwest is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
