Head of Development (Remote)

Join to apply for the Development Director role at Futurewise

Position Type: Full-time, exempt. The position is hybrid, with at least one day of work per week in the Seattle office, and regular in-person meetings with funders and donors.

Futurewise works throughout Washington state to encourage healthy, equitable and opportunity-rich communities, and to protect our most valuable farmlands, forests, and water resources through wise land use policies and practices. We are a growing nonprofit, leading nationally groundbreaking policy development, advocacy, and legal strategies in our field.

In the past five years, Futurewise has won major victories in the state legislature that require cities and counties to increase housing abundance and affordability, dismantle exclusionary zoning, prevent displacement, combat health disparities and environmental injustice, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster transit-oriented, climate-resilient communities for all. These new state requirements build on Futurewise’s longstanding priorities to protect the beloved ecosystems, local food systems, and natural beauty of Washington state.

On the heels of our state legislative wins, Futurewise is growing to meet the needs for successful implementation across our state. We are building new local advocacy coalitions, forming new community partnerships, and increasing staff capacity. The Development Director will serve as the chief architect of Futurewise’s fundraising strategy, ensuring the organization has the resources needed to grow its impact. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will design and implement a comprehensive development plan that prioritizes major gifts, institutional partnerships, and long-term sustainability. The Development Director will supervise communications and align fundraising and communications strategies to reinforce a cohesive organizational voice and brand.

The role will focus on cultivating and stewarding strong relationships with donors, funders, and stakeholders while overseeing all fundraising activities, including major donor engagement, foundation and corporate support, planned giving, and annual campaigns. While the Development Director will guide the overall strategy for events and grassroots fundraising, this role is primarily focused on building high-level donor relationships and advancing organizational capacity for long-term growth.

The Development Director will also build relationships with all staff and board and will need to understand the full range of Futurewise programs and program funding needs. A successful candidate will feel a personal connection and passion for the Futurewise mission.

The new Development Director will be joining Futurewise during a time of growth and opportunity. In the past six years, Futurewise has successfully implemented a development strategy to grow annual revenue from $800K to $1.5M. Provide strategic direction and leadership for all development activities, ensuring integration with communications and programmatic goals.

Develop and execute strategies to expand and diversify the donor pipeline, with an emphasis on sustained donor growth and increased giving capacity.

Lead membership and grassroots fundraising initiatives, including online giving, direct mail, workplace giving, and other broad-based campaigns that strengthen community support.

Collaborate with communications staff to develop compelling donor appeals, storytelling assets, and engagement campaigns that inspire giving and strengthen donor connection to the mission.

Partner with Board members and organizational leadership to support their participation in donor outreach, cultivation, and solicitation.

Design and implement strategies to grow planned giving and legacy contributions, building long-term organizational sustainability.

Institutional Giving: Foundations, Corporations & Government (30%)

Lead the development of strong, competitive funding proposals, clearly articulating how Futurewise’s mission and programs align with funder priorities.

Partner with program, finance, and communications staff to develop compelling cases for support, accurate budgets, and high-quality reports.

Maintain a proactive grants calendar to ensure timely submissions, compliance with funder requirements, and effective internal coordination.

Coordinate with volunteers, contractors, and board members to maximize event success.

Manage donor database, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of gifts, pledges, and acknowledgments.

Maintain development policies, procedures, and systems for evaluation and accountability.

3+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in multiple fundraising streams (major gifts, grants, events, and campaigns).

Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support.

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines.

Ability to think strategically and proactively about new opportunities and risks.

Relationships and familiarity with the national philanthropic landscape, especially in housing, climate, and community development.

Experience with capacity building and/or capital campaigns.

Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Generous paid time off, including 11 paid holidays, a one-week winter break between Christmas and New Years, and accrued vacation time starting at 16 days per year.

Flexible work environment with hybrid in-office/remote schedule.

org with “Development Director - [Your Last Name]” in the subject line. Address the cover letter to “Hiring Manager” and label all materials with your last name. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until January 19, 2026.

Futurewise is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity in all areas of our operations. We are committed to equal opportunity employment and promotion for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, military or veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, pregnancy and childbirth, family responsibilities, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, regulations, or guidelines relating to discrimination in employment.

For more information, visit the Futurewise website at .

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