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Development Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Partner with the Associate Vice President of Development and campaign leadership to design and maintain campaign infrastructure, including capacity tables, revenue projections, and tracking systems.

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Development Director information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$46.1K

$105.2K

$176.5K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Seattle, WA is $105,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a development director do?

A Development Director is responsible for overseeing fundraising and resource development efforts within an organization, typically a nonprofit. They create and implement strategies to secure financial support, manage donor relationships, lead fundraising campaigns, and often supervise development staff. Their goal is to ensure the organization has the funding needed to achieve its mission and objectives. Development Directors also work closely with executive leadership and the board of directors to align fundraising goals with the organization's overall strategy.

What does a development director do?

A development director is responsible for fundraising strategies and initiatives to help promote the business and operations of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and hospitals. As a development director, your job duties include reaching out to potential benefactors, maintaining relationships with existing donors, devising new strategies for fundraising, and organizing fundraising events. These events may consist of benefit concerts, dinners, parties, and special events. Collaborating with company management is also a regular part of your job. Depending on the organization, your exact duties may vary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Director, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree or CFRE certification. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge) and CRM platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for driving organizational growth, securing funding, and building lasting partnerships essential to the nonprofit’s mission.

How does a development director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Development Director frequently works cross-functionally with teams such as marketing, finance, and program management to align fundraising strategies with organizational objectives. This collaboration often involves coordinating on campaigns, sharing donor insights, and ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as the Development Director serves as a bridge between departments to maximize impact and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

What is the difference between Development Director vs Fundraising Manager?

AspectDevelopment DirectorFundraising Manager
Primary FocusOversees overall fundraising strategies, donor relations, and development initiativesExecutes specific fundraising campaigns and manages donor outreach
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, team leadership, major gift cultivationEvent planning, donor communication, campaign execution
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesBachelor’s degree; experience in fundraising or development roles often preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, educational institutionsNonprofit organizations, charities, fundraising agencies

The Development Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing the entire development department and long-term fundraising goals. In contrast, the Fundraising Manager focuses on executing specific campaigns and managing day-to-day donor activities. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the Development Director has broader responsibilities and higher-level oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,197 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

$105 - $139/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies to meet revenue goals.

  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, sponsors, foundations, and corporate partners.

  • Oversee sponsorship programs, grant opportunities, proposals, development, and reporting.


Job description

Are you passionate about preserving history, inspiring future generations, and building meaningful relationships that create lasting impact? America’s Automotive Trust, together with our partners and member organizations of LeMay – America’s Car Museum, and The RPM Foundation, is seeking an experienced, dynamic Director of Development to lead our fundraising and donor engagement efforts.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Development will develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports exhibitions, educational programs, vehicle preservation, capital projects, and long-term organizational growth. This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraising professional who thrives on cultivating relations and connecting donors with a mission that celebrates the innovation, culture, and legacy of the automobile.

Who We Are

It wasn’t long ago that cars were a much bigger part of American life. For most, they were the first taste of freedom that opened the doors and the world to endless possibilities. Cruising down the main drag or backroads for Sunday family adventures was a part of life.

We believe that cars connect us to the best things in life and that America’s love affair with the automobile should not only be recognized as part of our history, but of our future. Knowing others believe the same, we saw an opportunity for like-minded organizations to work together and in 2016, established America’s Automotive Trust to do just that.

Together with our partners and member organizations of LeMay – America’s Car Museum and the RPM Foundation, we fulfill our purpose to honor the past, celebrate the present, and drive the future of car culture.

Education is at the heart of everything we do, and driving is at our core – from the classroom to the open road. Our automotive heritage should be secured for future generations – a mission that can only truly be accomplished by working together. Through America’s Automotive Trust, we share resources and support each other, streamlining efforts to make a greater impact.

Role Overview

The Director of Development reports directly to the CEO and develops and implements fundraising strategies and activities to carry forward the mission and vision of America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) Major Gift and Planned Giving, Membership and Annual Fund, Corporate Sponsorships, Foundation & Grants, and Concours and Club Auto member development.

This position initiates, maintains, and grows major donor relationships and identifies prospects with the potential of generating gifts at or above the $100,000 level; works closely with the Major Gifts Manager in developing, strengthening, and growing membership and cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective major donors on a national level; and with Corporate Foundations Relations Officer in outreach efforts and research of potential sponsorship and grant applications.

The Director of Development will spend a significant amount of time stewarding donors while connecting their passion and interest in automobiles, historic preservation, and education with opportunities to financially support AAT’s vision and mission. This position is considered hybrid with a minimum of 20% of the time each week in the office to provide support to the Development Team and coordination with the Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies to meet revenue goals.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, sponsors, foundations, and corporate partners.
  • Successfully generate new and/or increased gifts at the $750,000 to $1,000,000 level annually.
  • Build and manage a robust portfolio of individual, corporate, and philanthropic supporters.
  • Partner with the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Board of Directors to advance fundraising initiatives.
  • Lead annual giving campaigns, planned giving programs, and special projects.
  • Oversee sponsorship programs for exhibitions, educational programs, exhibits, and signature events.
  • Oversee grant opportunities, proposals, development, and reporting.
  • Oversee donor communications, recognition programs, and stewardship activities.
  • Track fundraising performance and maintain accurate donor records with the CRM database.
  • Represent the Trust at signature, community and automotive events
Qualifications

The incumbent for this position must possess a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of proven significant, successful fundraising experience in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of benefactors with a demonstrated record of securing gifts of $100,000 and above. Demonstrated success in Major Gift fundraising in a large non-profit or educational institution is highly desired. Additional relevant education or experience may be substituted, one for the other, on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Qualifications
  • Innovative and creative approach to major fund development.
  • Familiarity and appreciation for historic and collectible vehicles.
  • Interest and willingness to participate in the activities and events of the auto enthusiast community.
What We Offer
  • The annual salary range for this position is $105,044.86 – $138,981.85, DOE. As part of the compensation structure, 10% of the annual salary ($10,505 – 13,898) will be deferred as incentive compensation, which will be awarded quarterly, contingent upon the successful achievement of established fundraising deliverables and performance objectives for each quarter.
  • Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, retirement plan with match, vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
  • Opportunity to preserve and celebrate automotive heritage.
  • Collaborative and passionate team environment.
  • Professional growth and leadership opportunity: VP of Institutional Advancement.

America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) believes in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion – not just in the world we all live, but within our own organization and work culture. A diverse work environment gives us new perspectives on others, helps with problem-solving and decision-making, and leads to employees from all aspects of life working together while comfortably being themselves. AAT is an equal opportunity employer, and it is our goal to continue to improve our programs, processes, and initiatives in working towards and embracing a culture of diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion.

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