Director of Development

Aug 31

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2026

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Director of Development to lead our organizational fundraising efforts: strengthening systems, designing strategy, activating the board, and investing deeply in our Development Team. This role will lay the groundwork for Town Hall’s short- and long-term growth.

This position oversees plans for our development future, aiming to increase contributed income from $2.5 million to $3 million over the next five years, while cultivating major-gift prospects, and building systems to underpin capital fundraising and planned-giving initiatives. As Director of Development, you will be an external face of the organization, building and stewarding relationships that power our mission.

Internally, you will be a key partner to our Executive Director, designing and implementing short- and long-term strategy. As a core member of the leadership team, you will ensure clear planning with the Director of Finance & Operations, and people-focused storytelling with our Director of Marketing & Communications. You will lead a talented Development team ready to grow its capacity together.

Requirements

Fundraising Infrastructure: Integrate findings and recommendations from the comprehensive summer 2026 Development Assessment.
Fundraising Strategy and Revenue: Create, refine, and execute our annual fundraising plan, including major gifts, grants, corporate relationships, membership, annual fund, special events, and capital giving.
Donor Solicitation: Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, personally soliciting and stewarding gifts while partnering with the Executive Director and board on major donor strategy and asks.
Prospect Cultivation: Revamp and lead the strategic identification, cultivation, and engagement of donor prospects, building a strong pipeline.
Donor Relations and Recognition: Oversee policies and practices, optimize Salesforce for donor recognition, and ensure accurate and timely record keeping.
Grant Management: Manage the grant-writer contract and secure new and renewed corporate, government, and foundation support.
Leadership: Attend and present at board meetings, lead Development Committee efforts, and participate in external and leadership opportunities as a member of the Town Hall Directors Team.
Team Management and Collaboration:
Lead, coach, and develop the full Development Team, setting clear priorities, strengthening collaboration, and building individual and collective capacity.
Create clear team structures, accountability, and communication practices that help the department work effectively and sustainably.
Oversee revenue projections and budgets with the Executive Director and Director of Finance & Operations.
Partner with Programming and Production teams on development event execution, including Town Hall’s annual gala.

Requirements

Candidates must have a passion for Town Hall’s mission, vision, and values, deep and broad development expertise, and exceptional communications skills. You’re a savvy connector:

a leader of people and teams, skilled at helping executives lead, activating boards, connecting with donors, and investing in and growing your team with curiosity and care.

Deep Development Acumen

Minimum 7+ years of successful development experience with foundational experience across core development including individual, institutional, corporate, and planned giving.
Demonstrated track record securing major gifts of $50,000 and more from individual donors with the ability and enthusiasm to build relationships with donors at all giving levels.
Knowledge of Seattle’s philanthropic community and/or demonstrated ability to quickly build strong donor relationships
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create and present a compelling case for support in multiple settings, from one-on-one with prospective donors to large groups.
Experience working closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure consistent messaging throughout organizational channels.

Leading, Supervising, and Managing Teams

Mentor and coach individual supervisors and teams, understanding, connecting, investing in, and growing the skills and capacities of both.
Adaptable and ambitious.
Sets clear goals and high expectations while motivating, supporting, and developing teams with care.
Conductor, keep teams moving forward, in tune and one time.
Track record fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment where new ideas are welcomed, explored, adapted, and supported from initial concept to implementation.

Systems and Data Leadership

Detail-oriented and data-driven with experience investing in and maximizing systems, people, and data to advance strategy.
Experience working with Salesforce consultants (or similar) to build internal systems and developing team buy-in, adoption, fluency, and ongoing use.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

The annual salary range is between $125,000 and $150,000. Salary will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

This position follows Town Hall’s hybrid work schedule, with staff generally working in person Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and hybrid flexibility on Mondays and Fridays.

As a live event venue, Town Hall’s work regularly includes evenings and weekends, and we anticipate the Director of Development will attend approximately 4–6 events per month. We recognize that event-based work requires flexibility and support adjusted schedules around the event calendar.

Comprehensive benefits include 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance; a fully subsidized ORCA pass; cell phone benefit; 2 weeks vacation time, 2 personal days, 2 civic engagement days, and 11 paid holidays, in addition to 2 annual one-week office closures; and an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan.

How to Apply for this Job

Before you apply, review the full job description:

Apply Now

Then send a cover letter and résumé as a pdf to: careers@townhallseattle.org, with “Director of Development: Name” in the subject line.

About the Organization

A vibrant gathering place in the heart of Seattle, Town Hall fosters an engaged community through civic, arts, and educational programs that reflect — and inspire — our region’s best impulses: creativity, empathy, and the belief that we all deserve a voice. Founded in 1998, Town Hall Seattle is a nonprofit organization that maintains a fully renovated, landmark historic building — as well as marketing and production infrastructure — for shared community use. Each year, 100,000+ people gather at Town Hall for hundreds of events spanning civics, science, and the arts.

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