Development & Engagement Director

Overview Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We work directly inside schools to build trusted relationships, remove barriers to learning, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Our team collaborates with educators, families, and local partners to connect students to the resources they need most, both in and outside the classroom. We are seeking a motivated and mission-driven leader to strengthen our community connections through strategic fundraising and powerful storytelling. 

Location: Hybrid – (Main Office Downtown Bellingham and Remote)

Reports to: CIS of Whatcom-Skagit Executive Director

Hours: FT - 40 Hours/week. Occasional weekend and/or evening work included.

Wage: $23 - $29 hourly (non-exempt); DOE

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance offered; Vacation, Sick Time, & Holidays. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Supervision: This position does not supervise other CIS or School District staff 

Reports to: This position does not supervise other CIS staff but might supervise community and/or business volunteers through select events.

Description: 

The Development and Engagement Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the financial sustainability, public visibility, and community impact of Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit. This dynamic position involves managing grants and proposals, leading storytelling and brandraising initiatives, and coordinating fundraising efforts throughout the year. The role also includes donor cultivation, digital marketing, internal collaboration, and social media management. We’re looking for a collaborative leader who brings both creativity and structure to their work—someone who excels at building relationships and is passionate about expanding opportunities for local youth. This person will also oversee our summer back-to-school fundraising initiatives to ensure students remain supported beyond the academic year.

COVID-19 Protocols: 

Per current Washington State guidelines, and as a matter of personal, family, and community health, all CIS of Whatcom-Skagit employees are expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities Include: 

Grant Managing, Prospecting & Follow Up: Responsible for managing the full grant lifecycle—including grant and funding prospect research/identification, proposal writing, reporting, document management, database and reporting, and funder relationship-building—to secure and sustain funding aligned with CISWS’s mission and programs

• Foundations, corporate sponsors, and government agencies aligned with CISWS's goals.
• Collaborate with program staff and the Executive Director to gather data, stories, and develop budgets. 
• Edit and align all proposal components for consistency, clarity, and compliance with guidelines.
• Track submissions and reporting deadlines using tools like Little Green Light and grant calendars. 
• Maintain organized documentation, including templates, checklists, supporting files, and correspondence with funders. 
• Assist in preparing interim and final reports for grants and donors.
• Attend funder webinars, grant-related training, and networking events. 

Community Engagement Coordination: Leads and supports community engagement efforts by representing CISWS at local events, presentations, and public speaking events, building strong relationships with families and partners, and coordinating outreach alongside Site Coordinators to elevate the organization’s presence and impact.

• Represent CISWS at community events, coalitions, chambers, and school meetings. 
• Building and nurturing relationships with community members, families, school staff, funders, businesses, and partner organizations. 
• Supporting Site Coordinators' community engagement needs and their local outreach efforts. 

Brandraising: Drives strategic communications by crafting mission-aligned messaging, managing digital outreach and media relations, and collaborating across teams to elevate the CISWS brand through storytelling, public engagement, and consistent visual identity.

• Develop compelling messaging that aligns with the CISWS mission, values, and its equity-focused impact.
• Collaborate with staff to gather student stories and testimonials for newsletters, grants, and social media.
• Create and manage content across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), including campaigns and engagement strategies.
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies based on analytics.
• Write and distribute press releases, op-eds, and media advisories.
• Ensure consistency in visual identity, messaging, and tone across platforms.
• Attend and create Brandraising Events.

Community Fundraising and Drive Coordination: Coordinates events, fundraising efforts, and in-kind drives while managing donor engagement, branded materials, and impact reporting to strengthen community support and amplify the mission of CISWS.

• Support initiatives such as Giving Tuesday, awareness campaigns, and community events. 
• Coordinate production of branded materials (signage, giveaways, slide decks). 
• Plan and coordinate in-kind drives (e.g., school supplies, hygiene kits) and donor appreciation efforts.
• Cultivate small-scale fundraisers and potential legacy donors with acknowledgment strategies.
• Log event participation, donation stats, and fundraising performance. 
• Draft brief impact summaries for funders, newsletters, and internal use. 
• Reflect on successes and areas for growth in engagement and fundraising efforts.

And Other Duties As Assigned

Working Conditions

• Hybrid position with regular in-person community engagement required.
• Occasional evenings or weekends for events or donor meetings.
• Must pass a background check and maintain reliable transportation.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (or High School, plus equivalent years of experience) in marketing, communications, or resource development/related field 
• 3+ years of combined experience in fundraising, youth development, and community building & networking
• Foundation relationship and grant writing experience 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic team environment.
• Deft knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, Google Workplace, and social media platforms 
• Highly accountable, organized, and positive team member
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills capable of engaging multiple audiences through presentations, website content, social media, and/or speaking engagements. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Compelling capacity to mobilize teams in supporting fundraising activities, agency events, and annual branding campaigns
• Familiarity with Little Green Light or similar fundraising software and tools 
• Experience in branding, communication, and/or marketing campaigns 
• Experience designing, coordinating, and implementing fundraising and “brandraising” individual and community events
• Experience with Board of Directors relations and Board development

Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, familial status, disability or religion.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility; however, they should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Work can involve extensive times sitting at a desk and working with a computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse. The successful applicant must also have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and pass required background checks. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job may change.