Overview
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.
COMPENSATION
The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 – $105,000, based on qualifications and experience. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
• Typical work day from 8:30-4:30 with a paid lunch period
• 10 vacation days in the first year
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• Long- and short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Tax-deferred annuity and a retirement plan with up to 7% matching contribution
• Partial remote work flexibility
• An annual stipend to participate in Institute programs
• Access to Institute pro-deals
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.
Qualifications:
• 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
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record for the past three years
Required Skills:
• Driven to support North Cascades Institute’s mission
• Commitment towards equity, diversity, and inclusion including actively fostering an Institute culture of welcoming and belonging
• Knowledge/proficiency with Salesforce or other fundraising databases
• Strong budgeting, planning, communication, and project management skills
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 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
