DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Director of Development (Classics Northwest) Location: Spokane, WA (some regional travel required) Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 DOE Benefits Package: Currently under development; details provided during interview process Status: Full‑Time, 100% FTE, Permanent, Exempt Start Date: Open Until Filled Reports To: Gertrude Harvey, Executive Director About the Opportunity Classics Northwest, home of the multi‑Grammy‑winning cellist and Artistic Director Zuill Bailey, seeks an entrepreneurial, relationship‑driven Director of Development to build and lead a thriving fundraising program from the ground up. The role is a rare, career‑defining position for a fundraiser who thrives on autonomy and loves classical music, with ownership in a small, mission‑driven organization. Position Summary As the 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), and 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. Key Responsibilities Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship: Build and manage a portfolio of 200‑300 donors; identify and close 3‑6 major underwriting gifts annually; secure 6–10 sponsorship/underwriting gifts annually; plan and execute at least three annual general solicitations; prepare proposals, contact reports, and development materials; facilitate donor pledge fulfillments and prompt personalized acknowledgements; begin identifying planned‑giving prospects. Systems, CRM & Infrastructure: Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing management of a modern donor CRM; migrate and segment existing email subscribers and contacts to create actionable donor intelligence and segmentation strategies. Communications, Collaboration & Events: Develop and maintain a donor communications plan; collaborate with the Executive Director on donor‑facing communications and with the Artistic Director on donor engagement strategies; identify and enlist key community influencers; attend public concerts and represent Classics Northwest in the community. Strategy & Organizational Contribution: Design and execute an annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals; share donor and community intelligence with the Executive Director and Board; support other fundraising priorities and contribute to a philanthropic culture. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree plus 4‑6 years of progressively responsible experience, including 3‑5 years 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 autonomously in a small‑staff or entrepreneurial environment. Who You Are You are an entrepreneurial relationship‑builder with strong donor instincts, organizational discipline, and follow‑through. You communicate persuasively in writing and in person, remain poised under pressure, earn the confidence of major donors, board members, and community leaders, and thrive in a dynamic, small‑team environment. 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 growth trajectory. Competitive compensation and benefits in a vibrant arts community. The chance to combine 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Classics Northwest is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. #J-18808-Ljbffr