Development Director

Development Director

shadowhabitat.org

Status :

Full-time, salaried non-exempt

Reports to :

Board of Directors

Location :

Renton, WA | Hybrid (min. 2 days/week on-site)

Salary :$62,000 - $75,000 per year + benefits (see below)

Posted :

July 2026 | Open until filled

Save Habitat And Diversity Of Wetlands (SHADOW) Lake Nature Preserve acquires, restores, and permanently stewards critical wetland and wildlife habitat in the Shadow Lake watershed, protecting ecosystems that support native plants and wildlife while delivering vital ecological services: carbon storage, groundwater recharge, flood mitigation, and stormwater filtration. One of the few remaining bogs in King County, SHADOW currently protects 133 acres in a rapidly urbanizing corner of the region, with active conversations underway to expand protections significantly in the years ahead.

Through habitat preservation, active restoration, environmental education, guided nature walks, and community science, SHADOW connects people to the natural world in ways that create lifelong stewards.

This is SHADOW's first-ever dedicated development position reporting directly to the Board, a rare chance to build something lasting at an organization with a compelling mission, a loyal donor community, a supportive and engaged board, and 133 acres of irreplaceable wetland habitat that stops people in their tracks.
We're looking for a builder: someone energized by creating systems, telling stories, and cultivating relationships that will sustain this organization for decades. You'll work closely with our founder, board, and small staff team, supported by an experienced development advisor and coach during your first year who will provide hands-on guidance as you build the program.
Year One success: systems working, donors feeling seen and appreciated, communications consistent, and a strong year-end campaign. This is the foundation, and you'll be the one who builds it.

• Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Manage a comprehensive donor stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation program with tiered, personalized touchpoints for donors at every level, from small annual givers to major supporters
• Plan and execute SHADOW's year-end and spring fundraising campaigns, including appeals and acknowledgments
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and community events, including stewardship gatherings on the preserve, third-party fundraising events, and other engagement opportunities
• Identify and develop strategies for donor acquisition through events, tours, and community partnerships
• Partner with board members and the Executive Director to steward and cultivate key donor relationships, providing briefings, talking points, and strategic support
• Manage donor acknowledgment processes to ensure every gift is recognized promptly and personally
• Represent SHADOW in community settings including civic organizations, chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs, and regional community groups, building awareness and relationships on behalf of the organization
• Support production of an annual impact report, coordinating content and design to communicate SHADOW’s conservation and stewardship achievements to donors and the community

• Manage the grants calendar, tracking deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal cycles for all active and prospective grants
• Research and identify new foundation, government, and corporate grant opportunities aligned with SHADOW's mission and priorities
• Write, edit, and submit grant proposals and reports in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Maintain funder relationships and records, ensuring consistent and professional communication with institutional partners

• Manage and maintain the donor database (Donor Perfect), ensuring data integrity, accurate gift records, and consistent data-entry standards across the organization
• Generate regular fundraising reports and maintain the metrics and dashboards that track progress toward annual goals
• Own and continuously improve gift-processing, acknowledgment, and donor record workflows
• Serve as the organizational lead on…