Development Director (Contractor)

Development Director (Contractor)

Contract Duration: December 2025 April 2026
Hours: 1520 hours/week
Compensation: $40,000$50,000 total contract
Location: On-site/in-person in Delridge, Seattle
Reports to: Executive Director

About DNDA

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) integrates art, nature, and neighborhood to build and sustain a dynamic Delridge community where all people thrive. From stewarding the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center and Delridge Wetlands to advancing affordable housing, arts, and environmental education, DNDA stands as a model for community-led, place-based development in Southwest Seattle.

Position Summary

DNDA seeks an experienced, well-networked Development Director (Contractor) to serve as the organizations day-to-day fundraising implementor and strategist during a pivotal growth phase.
This role will strengthen DNDAs development systems, deepen relationships with funders, and prepare the organization for long-term sustainability through diversified fundraising and donor engagement strategies.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on someone who can connect with community, secure resources, and move projects forward with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead implementation of DNDAs fundraising and cultivation strategies, including individual giving, sponsorships, and foundation outreach.
• Manage donor communications, acknowledgments, and cultivation activities.
• Support preparation and follow-up for donor meetings and events, including DNDAs annual fundraiser and donor cultivation events.
• Leverage personal and professional networks to open doors to corporate, philanthropic, and public funding partners.

Development Systems & Operations

• Maintain and strengthen use of DNDAs CRM (Salesforce) for donor tracking, reporting, and stewardship.
• Manage development communications tools (Mailchimp, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint).
• Create and maintain clear systems for donor prospecting, stewardship, and reporting.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Work closely with DNDAs Executive Director, Board, and Development staff to cultivate a fundraising culture across the organization.
• Provide coaching and support to staff in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Partner with DNDA leadership to align fundraising activities with strategic goals.

Qualifications (Essential / Non-Negotiables)

• 
  Local presence: Must work on-site and in person in the Delridge/Southwest Seattle community.
• 
  Experience: Minimum 10 years of proven success in nonprofit development and fundraising, including corporate sponsorships, major gifts, and grants.
• 
  Equity: Demonstrated experience working with and for under-served demographics and historically underinvested communities.
• 
  Network: Strong, established relationships across corporate, philanthropic, and public sectors in the Puget Sound region.
• 
  Independence: Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• 
  Negotiation: Strong ability to advocate and negotiate on behalf of the organization.
• 
  Technical proficiency: Salesforce, Mailchimp, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  Deep connection to the Delridge neighborhood or lived experience within the community.
• Background in community development, arts, environment, or affordable housing.
• Experience managing small teams or coaching emerging fundraisers.
• Creative, resourceful, and comfortable working in evolving environments.
• Business-minded and data-driven with a heart for community impact.
  
  

Cultural Fit

DNDAs team is collaborative, creative, and community-rooted.
Were looking for someone who is:

• Resourceful, relational, and ready to roll up their sleeves.
• Business-oriented yet deeply committed to community values.
• Grounded, playful, and open to ambiguity.
• Passionate about DNDAs mission and the people we serve.

Timeline

• 
  December 2025: Contract finalized and onboarding begins.
• 
  January 2025: Start date.
• 
  April 2025: Contract conclusion (with possible extention)