Development Director
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is a trusted provider of direct legal services and immigration-related community education for immigrant communities. NWIRP also challenges unjust policies through high-impact lawsuits and advocates for laws and policies that respect the rights of immigrants. More than 10,000 people from over 145 countries are supported by NWIRP each year, through four offices in Washington State.
NWIRP is currently one of the largest immigrant rights organizations in the United States. Its work is nationally recognized and regularly featured in media across the country. You can learn more about the impact of our programs and work by reading through our 2019 Impact Report.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project seeks a dynamic and seasoned Development Director, looking to work at the intersection between human rights and the existing U.S. legal system. NWIRP boasts a working environment filled with inspiring work and incredible colleagues. And during a time when NWIRP is experiencing heightened visibility and substantial growth, this position can envision our movement's potential and help shape the way forward.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is on the frontlines of protecting and defending immigrant rights. Due to the political landscape and its impact on immigrant rights, NWIRP is experiencing heightened visibility and a dramatic increase in the need for client services, as well as substantial financial growth.
NWIRP seeks a dynamic, highly-collaborative and seasoned Development Director to harness this moment and use their passion and talents to build a more just world. The right candidate is deeply values-based and highly relational. NWIRP strongly encourages candidates that have lived or adjacent experience to that of our served community to join our largely POC/immigrant leadership team.
The Development Director will lead NWIRP's largely self-managed development department during one of the most dynamic times in the organization's history. Specific goals include oversight of a robust annual fund and event plan; mobilizing the Board of Directors, and managing and mentoring a growing and talented team of development staff. NWIRP brings its core values of fairness, self-determination, and inclusion into all aspects of its work, and seeks an individual who is interested in the continued pursuit of community-centric fundraising practices.
While NWIRP projects a total revenue of $14.5 million per year, NWIRP's development department is responsible for raising ~30% of that revenue. The Development Director will focus on individual and business contributions, comprising approximately $3.2 million or 25% of its budget.
Other Figures:
10.33% - Acquisition- Donors giving their first gift, or giving again after 5 years, in 2020
39.98%- Retention- Donors who gave in 2020 and 2019
14.1%- Recapture- Donors who gave in 2020 and sometime during 2016-2018
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants (including people who were formerly detained, undocumented, or who have navigated the immigration legal system), women, people with disabilities, people who are gender expansive, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds and language abilities. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse staff, board, and volunteer base reflective of the communities we serve and that enhances our ability to create a vibrant environment where all members of the NWIRP community thrive.
NWIRP is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. NWIRP does not discriminate on the basis of class, race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. Excepting any undue hardship, NWIRP will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Please contact NWIRP's HR Director, guadalupe@nwirp.org to request an accommodation.
KEY PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leadership and Collaboration: During a time when NWIRP is experiencing heightened visibility and substantial growth, this position can envision our movement's potential and help shape the way forward. Partner with the Executive Director and leadership team, act as liaison to the Board of Directors and supervise a high-functioning and collaborative team. Foster a healthy and collaborative fundraising culture across the organization.
- Fund Development Planning and Strategy: Design, implement, and track a robust and diversified fund development plan intended to grow NWIRP's unrestricted philanthropic revenue, to raise over $3.5 million from individuals and special events annually. Strategically develop and oversee all fundraising efforts, donor communications, and special events statewide.
- Interpersonal Relationship Building: Maintain a major donor portfolio of 50-75 donors with giving capacity ranging between $100K- $1M. Build strong relationships with donors and collaborate with the Executive Director and members of the Board to personally solicit major gifts. Regularly conduct face-to-face meetings with donors, institutional funders, and other key stakeholders.
- Communications: Collaborate with the Communications Manager and Executive Director to implement an effective communications plan to support the fund development strategy.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee, and others may be assigned.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time position that requires a willingness to work some evenings and weekends, as well as occasional travel within the state. The anticipated salary range for the position is $90,000 to $125,000, depending on experience.
NWIRP offers a generous employer-paid benefits package, including excellent health, vision& dental plans;
- 3% employer retirement contributions;
- Paid vacation- 15 days a year to start, (pro-rated depending on start date )and incremental accruals with tenure;
- 13 Paid Holidays;
- Paid parental leave;
- Paid health-related leave;
- Subsidized transit pass;
- Employer-paid disability/life/AD&D, and long-term care coverage;
- 4 weeks of paid sabbatical after six years of employment.
IDEAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be able to articulate your own personal passion for the social justice mission and values of NWIRP. Candidates with a personal connection to immigrant rights are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Ethical approach to fundraising including utilization of community centric fundraising principles.
- Demonstrated experience growing a major gifts program and soliciting major gifts, face-to-face at $50K level or higher.
- A minimum of 5 years of non-profit fund development experience with director- level experience, preferred.
- Strong appetite for finding creative strategies to generate compelling individual donor and community engagement.
- Strong leadership skills in a cross-cultural environment. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, staff, and counsel from a diverse range of communities across the state.
Experience:
- Working closely with a Board of Directors and mobilizing them in their role in donor relations and leveraging their strengths and their networks.
- Fundraising in a campaign setting or leading a major growth campaign.
- Crafting and implementing organizational communications strategies in a collaborative environment.
- Overseeing budgets and tracking outcomes for success.
- Leading, inspiring, and supervising staff and board members.
THE COMMUNITY
NWIRP's central office is located in Seattle, Washington - the state's largest city, nestled between Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Puget Sound as well as the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. The area is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests - containing thousands of acres of parkland. Whatever the time of year, Seattle is a short drive from some of the Northwest's most beautiful outdoor experiences. From gorgeous hiking spots open year round, to winter snow shoeing, skiing or snowboarding to summer's many water sports and incredible camping, Seattle is in the middle of nature's playground.
The Pioneer Square historical district houses NWIRP's central office. Known for its art galleries, quirky boutiques, and cafes and restaurants - in non- COVID times, Pioneer Square is centrally located making it easy to travel through and close to many delicious restaurants and wonderful attractions. Seattle is home to a thriving and engaged non-profit and philanthropic community, and is an optimal place to live and work.
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply online by submitting your cover letter and resume in a single PDF document via email to developmentdirectorsearch@nwirp.org. In your cover letter, please describe how your professional or lived experience will contribute to our Mission and Values through this role. Please visit our website for more information about our organization. Due to the COVID Pandemic, NWIRP's operations are currently remote.
Questions may be directed to Guadalupe Ramirez, NWIRP's Human Resources Director. Contact her by email at guadalupe@nwirp.org, or by phone at (206) 957-8646.
All applications will be held confidential within the hiring team and given consideration as soon as they are received. We will prioritize applications submitted by April 18,2021. The position will be open until filled.