Description

Youth in Focus is excited to share that we are expanding our leadership team and seek a full-time Development Director. If you’re passionate about supporting youth development, arts education, and increasing access to opportunity, this may be the position for you!

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Development Director’s primary focus is relationship building, strategy, and collaboration to secure financial support for YiF mission and vision. This position is responsible for individual giving, corporate sponsorship, grant management, leadership of our annual gala, and alumni engagement. The development director reports to and works closely with the Executive Director to grow and diversify our revenue sources and meet the financial goals of the organization. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of demonstrated success stewarding and soliciting individual and corporate donors; motivating board-level volunteers and leadership staff; and working independently within a creative team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Development Leadership (10%) 

• Work with the Executive Director and Fundraising Committee to create a long-range development plan aligned with YiF’s strategic plan. Annually, set the fundraising goals and develop a plan to achieve them. 
• Attend bimonthly board meetings (Tuesday evenings) and weekly staff meetings; foster teamwork and a culture of philanthropy among staff and board.
• Co-lead the board’s Fundraising Committee, guiding committee priorities and driving tasks.
• Manage the revenue and expense budget and day-to-day operations of the development program. Provide regular accounting of the activities and outcomes.
• Represent Youth in Focus at community events.

Donor Development and Stewardship (30%) 

• Manage and motivate the fundraising work of the Executive Director, the Fundraising Committee, and the Board of Directors. Initiate and carry out discovery and ask meetings with major donors and prospects. Coach board members and staff to partner with you at face-to-face meetings.
• Coordinate donor/stakeholder communications. Engage parents, alums, donors, and audiences in fundraising campaigns throughout the year, including direct mail and email campaigns, newsletters and Impact Reports, annual asks, and other creative fundraisers.
• Be an engaging presence at YiF warmly stewarding community members and donors of all levels.  Work with staff to ensure donors, community members, and alums have a positive and connective experience.
• Increase connection with YiF alumni to expand participation and deepen relationships.
• Manage all aspects of fundraising campaigns.
• Manage the day-to-day gift stewardship process, including processing and acknowledging donations, and maintaining CRM donor-tracking systems.

Business Partnerships and Sponsorships (15%) 

• Provide leadership on cultivation and stewardship of business partners to staff and Board.
• Create compelling sponsorship opportunities to attract/retain support from the business community. Research prospects, develop relationships, and secure sponsors for annual gala, programs, and potentially other projects.

Grants (20%)

• Manage annual grant calendar.
• In coordination with the ED and support staff, prepare and submit grant applications and reports.
• Cultivate and steward foundation program officers.

Fundraising Events (20%)

• Lead annual gala, including visioning, recruitment of table captains/attendees, and solicitation of raise-the-paddle pledges. Oversee staff/committee on procurement, logistics, and registration.
• Create and manage additional mission-aligned, fundraising events.

Participate as a Contributing Member of the Team (5%) 

• Work some evenings at programming, meetings, and events.
• Actively contribute to staff meetings and discussions.
• Help advance our work in equity and justice.
• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for Youth in Focus at all times.
• Embrace and carry out other duties as assigned.

This position is a hybrid position that requires in-person work with staff and students at the YiF office (hybrid schedule to be coordinated upon hire, at least 2 days in office).

ABOUT YOUTH IN FOCUS 

Youth in Focus’ mission is to equip youth to share their ideas and values with the world through photography and art. As the only photography-specific youth development organization in Seattle, YiF provides free and pay-what-you-can programs for youth ages 13-19, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and career-connected learning. Through after school classes, mentorship, and hands-on training, students gain technical skills while developing confidence and self-expression. YiF prioritizes equitable access, ensuring youth have the tools, resources, and opportunities to explore artistic and professional pathways.

We’re looking for someone who is excited to be a part of our mission and who will champion our values of centering youth, equity, creativity, welcoming, learning, and joy! We value talents as much as skills, lived experience as much as education, and if you see yourself in this role given our qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

If you do not have the preferred knowledge, experience, or skills, please do not be discouraged from applying. We offer professional development, support, and on the job learning. The ability to demonstrate aptitude, initiative, and attention to detail are key traits of a successful candidate.

Required Knowledge, Experience, and Skills 

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years fundraising experience, including experience with major gifts
• Demonstrated success in meeting fundraising goals
• Experience and comfort making in-person asks
• Passion for building and maintaining relationships with donors
• Enthusiasm for sharing our story in a variety of ways
• Working knowledge and proficiency with Google Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Forms or Microsoft equivalent) and CRM database systems
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships with staff, donors, partners, board members, volunteers, and program participants
• Able to work both independently and with a group
• Strong commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for a diverse population of youth, staff, and volunteers
• Able to problem solve, to resolve conflicts and issues quickly and compassionately, and be comfortable with change
• Lived and/or professional experience that will help YiF fulfill our commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming community
• Ability to travel to off-site meetings and program locations

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, and Skills 

• Successful history of fundraising in the King County and Puget Sound region
• Experience managing support staff
• Experience with specific Fundraising/CRM databases: Greater Giving, Keela
• Ability to speak a language other than English
• YiF Alumni strongly encouraged to apply

TO APPLY 

Please submit your resume and answers to the following three questions: 

1)     Why do you want this position?

2)     How specifically has your professional and/or lived experience prepared you for success in this role?

3)     How will you contribute to Youth in Focus’ commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for youth furthest from educational justice? 

Submit your application in one single .pdf file to HR@youthinfocus.org, with the email subject “Development Director”. Please keep all identifying information (name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) to the first page.  

The position is open until filled; priority will be given to applications received by November 21, 2025.  We will contact you if you are invited to an initial conversation; we cannot commit to responding to inquiries regarding the status of your application. 

Finalists will be asked for references. Because this position works in an office with youth, offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a criminal history background check (free of convictions of crimes against children and vulnerable adults). Other convictions may not preclude you from employment. 

Youth in Focus is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture. We prioritize serving youth furthest from education justice. We encourage applications from alumni of the program, those whose lived experiences reflects that of our students, including BIPOC individuals, women, persons with disabilities, individuals who speak multiple languages, and LGBTQ+ individuals.