Description

About STEM Paths Innovation Network (SPIN)

At STEM Paths Innovation Network, we are committed to closing the opportunity gap in STEM education and careers for girls and BIPOC communities. Through hands-on enrichment, mentoring, and culturally responsive curricula, we create safe, inspiring spaces where students thrive, and adults guide their learning. All of our programs are free to the families we serve, and we need community leaders, members, and businesses to help keep them accessible and strong.

Position Summary:
SPIN is seeking a Development Director to lead and grow a values-driven fundraising program that fuels our mission to make STEM education accessible to all. The Development Director will shape and implement a comprehensive development strategy across individual, corporate, foundation, and event-based fundraising. We’re seeking a creative, relationship-centered professional with a proven track record of success and a passion for advancing equity in education.

You’ll join a collaborative, high-energy team working to inspire the next generation of innovators, where your leadership, ideas, and initiative will directly influence SPIN’s growth and help shape the next generation of innovators.

SPIN has invested over the 2025 calendar/fiscal year in developing infrastructure to support development efforts, including building and populating a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM), establishing a new giving platform, holding its first donor cultivation event, launching its inaugural End of Year giving campaign,  and investing in a Development and Communications Coordinator. SPIN also has a successful long-term relationship with an experienced contract grant-writer.  

This position will work closely with the Executive Team, Board of Directors, and development team in an evolving, dynamic environment that requires adaptability, initiative, and collaborative leadership. This role will lead the development of a comprehensive foundational structure for diversified support, with a primary focus on building individual giving and major gifts programs to support SPIN’s long-term sustainability and future growth.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Fundraising Leadership (30%) 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising program based on SPIN’s strategic plan that strategically balances major gifts, individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and events.
• Partner with the Executive Directors, along with the Board of Directors, to set annual fundraising goals aligned with SPIN’s mission, values, and growth objectives.
• Lead the design, execution, and refinement of SPIN’s Annual Fund Development Plan, integrating individual donors, major gifts, foundations, corporate sponsorships, government grants/contracts, and special events.
• Collaborate with leadership and a small development team to create multi-year revenue forecasts, assess funding scenarios, and guide annual budgeting.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development (20%)

• Supervise and support a small development team; create a culture of professional growth in communications, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Work with the Executive Directors and Board to strengthen a culture of philanthropy through training, engagement, and leadership development.
• Recruit and support additional fundraising staff (as resources allow), setting clear performance goals and providing ongoing coaching.
• Oversee contractors as necessary, including a grant writer, to ensure proposals reflect organizational priorities, meet quality standards, and comply with funder requirements.
• Promote a collaborative, cross-functional culture by working closely with program staff and contracted finance staff to align fundraising and grant compliance with organizational goals.
• Provide transparent internal reporting, including monthly dashboards and annual fundraising summaries.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to a values-driven, team-oriented work environment.

Philanthropic Engagement and Donor Stewardship (50%)

Individual and Institutional Giving

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift and institutional prospects in collaboration with leadership.
• Design and manage annual and special giving campaigns, ensuring timely acknowledgments, accurate tracking, and meaningful stewardship.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow corporate, foundation, and individual support through culturally responsive relationship building.
• Establish a foundational major gifts program and pilot legacy giving opportunities to build long-term philanthropic growth.
• Supervise all of the gift processing in LGL, and the donor thank-you process, with support from the Development and Communications Coordinator.
• Use donor data systems (CRM and Giving Platform) for segmentation, tracking, and analysis to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and support sustainable growth. 
• Continuously track and assess giving patterns to refine strategies that strengthen donor retention, diversify revenue, and ensure SPIN’s long-term sustainability.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Cultivate and strengthen individual donor relationships through tailored campaigns, recognition programs, and personalized engagement.
• Deliver timely, thoughtful donor communications, including impact reports, appreciation events, and one-on-one touchpoints that reinforce results.
• Craft compelling impact narratives/stories that clearly connect donor support to community outcomes and SPIN’s mission.

Marketing, Communications, and Events

• Oversee the creation and execution of marketing and fundraising materials, including newsletters, campaigns, and digital content, ensuring consistency with SPIN’s values and voice.
• Supervise event contractors in planning and executing fundraising and cultivation events to ensure alignment with organizational goals and donor engagement strategies.
• Be a part of the team representing SPIN at community and partner events to advance visibility, relationships, and support.

Requirements

We recognize that no candidate will meet every listed qualification, and lived experiences are valued alongside any formal credentials. Please apply if you believe your skills, experience, and perspective can help advance this role.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with a successful track record.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, adapting to different learning styles and cultural contexts in ways that honor community strengths and needs.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and comfort working in a growth-phase organization, with the ability to build fundraising structures, adapt to evolving needs, and lead with curiosity, initiative, and care.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Experience building relationships across diverse communities.
• Experience managing and inspiring a team.
• Business development skills, including networking, persuasion, public speaking, and prospecting.
• Proficient and has experience with a customer relationship management database for donor tracking.
• Proven success in donor cultivation, solicitations, and stewardship.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals and coordinating the work of key staff.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• Familiarity with the Greater Seattle philanthropic landscape.
• Direct experience in education, outreach, or STEM-related nonprofits.

Additional Information
A criminal history will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

Background checks may be required depending on role responsibilities (e.g., staff supervision, working with youth, handling funds).

SPIN provides reasonable accommodations in the application and employment process in compliance with ADA requirements.

SPIN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, or any protected class.

We are committed to building an inclusive team and invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider this role. We actively encourage candidates who bring varied perspectives, backgrounds, and strengths.