ROOTS Young Adult Shelter Director of Development and Communication Seattle, WA · Full time

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ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is Washington State’s largest shelter dedicated to serving young adults aged 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness. Since our founding in 1999, ROOTS has been a safe haven, offering not only a warm bed and a meal but also compassionate support and a pathway toward stability and independence. Our mission is to partner with young adults on their journey to stability. With a focus on moving "From Shelter to Services," ROOTS is expanding our programs to include new modes of case management, housing navigation, LGBTQIA+ health and wellness supports, pre-employment guidance, and more. As a leader in youth homelessness, advocacy, and care ROOTS is committed to creating equitable and innovative solutions. Our partnerships with community organizations, donors, and volunteers allow us to address the root causes of homelessness and break the cycles of poverty and instability. At ROOTS, we believe every young adult deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Job Title: Director of Development and Communication

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Seattle, WA

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is seeking a bold, relationship-centered, and strategic leader to serve as our next Director of Development & Communications. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate fundraiser and storyteller to help shape the future of an organization making a direct impact on youth homelessness in Seattle.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Development & Communications will drive innovative fundraising and communications strategies that deepen community engagement, expand philanthropic support, and elevate the voices and experiences of young adults served by ROOTS. The ideal candidate is energized by building authentic relationships, inspiring donors and partners around a compelling mission, and leading creative campaigns that mobilize people toward action and lasting change. This role offers the opportunity to help grow a dynamic organization that recently expanded into a new four-story facility and is entering an exciting phase of increased visibility, partnership, and program innovation. The Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board, staff, volunteers, and community partners to advance ROOTS’ vision of ensuring every young person has access to safety, stability, and opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Develop and Implement Fundraising Plans: Design and execute annual and multi-year fundraising strategies that align with ROOTS' mission and financial objectives, incorporating individual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, public funding and foundation grants.
• Individual and Major Gifts: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors, with a particular emphasis on expanding major gifts and sustaining a strong individual giving program.
• Grant Acquisition and Management: Research, write and or support a grant writer with submission of grant proposals to private foundations, corporate philanthropy programs, and government entities; ensure compliance with reporting and funder requirements.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Develop partnerships with local businesses and corporations to secure sponsorships and event funding, aligning with corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Fundraising Events: Plan, execute, and evaluate ROOTS’ annual RISE UP fundraiser and other community engagement events, leveraging these opportunities to build long-term donor relationships and increase financial support.
• Peer-to-Peer and Online Fundraising: Expand ROOTS' digital fundraising presence, implementing strategies such as crowdfunding campaigns, social media fundraising drives, and email appeals.

2. Communications and Public Relations

• Strategic Communications Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to increase public awareness, donor engagement, and advocacy efforts.
• Brand Management: Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all external communications, including the website, newsletters, social media, and printed materials.
• Storytelling and Impact Reporting: Collect and share compelling stories of young adults served by ROOTS, emphasizing the impact of donor contributions and ROOTS’ role in ending youth homelessness.
• Media Engagement: Serve as one of the two agency primary media contacts, cultivating relationships with journalists, preparing press releases, and securing media coverage for ROOTS’ programs and initiatives.

3. Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Personalized Engagement: Develop customized engagement strategies for key donors, ensuring meaningful interactions and long-term relationships.
• Recognition and Retention Programs: Design and manage donor appreciation initiatives, including exclusive donor events, impact reports, and recognition programs.
• Planned Giving: Establish and promote legacy giving opportunities to encourage donors to include ROOTS in their estate plans.

4. Data Management and Reporting

• CRM Management: Oversee the donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring accurate data entry, segmentation, and reporting for fundraising efforts.
• Fundraising Analytics: Track and analyze donor trends, providing regular reports to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress and areas for improvement.
• Financial Oversight: Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliation of fundraising revenue.

5. Leadership and Team Development

• Supervision and Mentorship: Lead, support, and develop development team members, including fundraising staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Board and Staff Collaboration: Work closely with the Board of Directors’ Development Committee to align fundraising goals with strategic priorities.
• Professional Development: Stay current with industry best practices and trends, pursuing ongoing professional development and training.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: We recognize that leadership and fundraising expertise can be built through many pathways. A bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field is preferred; however, equivalent lived, professional, and leadership experience will also be considered.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and effectively engage diverse audiences.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership skills, with experience managing staff, volunteers, and working collaboratively across departments.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Kindful), Microsoft Office Suite, and digital marketing tools.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills, with experience using data to inform decision-making and measure fundraising effectiveness.
• Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, corporate partners, community stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for ROOTS' mission and a deep commitment to addressing homelessness among young adults.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work some evenings and weekends for fundraising events and donor engagement activities.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid work options available, with occasional evening and weekend events required.

Application Process:

To apply, please complete application and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references via the ROOTS Gusto application page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

ROOTS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit our website: https://rootsinfo.org