Development Director

POSITION FOCUS

The Development Director leads resource mobilization and relationship‑building efforts that sustain and grow Na’ah Illahee Fund’s mission. This role holds responsibility for fundraising strategy, donor and funder stewardship, grant development, development operations, and communications that invite partners into shared commitment to Indigenous‑led futures. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director, board, staff, and community partners to ensure long‑term financial resilience grounded in cultural values and accountability.

• Build and steward strong donor and funder relationships that advance Indigenous‑led solutions
• Design and execute a fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities
• Secure diverse and sustainable revenue streams
• Strengthen Na’ah Illahee Fund’s visibility and storytelling with integrity
• Maintain effective development systems and data practices
• Support healthy internal collaboration and shared leadership culture
• Supervise and grow the development function as needed

• Design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities, community accountability, and long‑term sustainability. Develop annual fundraising goals, revenue projections, and donor engagement plans in partnership with the Executive Director and board. Establish fundraising policies and procedures that support ethical and culturally aligned practices.

• Cultivate, steward, and grow authentic relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, public funders, and community allies. Partner with the Executive Director on major donor stewardship strategy. Create meaningful engagement opportunities reflecting Indigenous values of reciprocity and respect. Maintain donor prospect lists and conduct donor research to identify new opportunities. Build relationships with media, government, and community partners as appropriate to advance fundraising opportunities.

• Lead grant prospecting, proposal development, reporting, and funder communications. Translate community‑driven priorities into compelling funding proposals. Collaborate with Program and Finance/Admin teams to develop grant materials and budgets. Maintain grant calendars, compliance systems, and reporting schedules.

• Oversee and support development‑related communications, website management, comms consultant, and brand materials for audience development and donor engagement. Produce fundraising literature, reports, and outreach content that honor Indigenous communities, cultural protocols, and data sovereignty. Support visibility efforts that strengthen public understanding of Na’ah Illahee Fund’s mission and impact.

• Manage donor engagement and fundraising events in collaboration with event committees, including event design, sponsorship solicitation, and logistics. Maintain accurate fundraising records, gift processing, receipts, and contribution tracking. Partner with Finance/Admin to develop and maintain donor databases and data systems. Direct external consultants or vendors supporting fundraising efforts as needed.

• Work closely with staff, leadership, and board to align development efforts with programmatic priorities. Provide support to program leads on events and initiatives. Contribute to organizational planning, budgeting, and evaluation of fundraising effectiveness. Travel as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Oversee development staff or contractors as applicable. Assign and plan work, provide coaching and support, and conduct performance evaluations. Participate in hiring, supervision, and staff development in alignment with organizational values and policies.

• Donor and funder outreach, follow‑ups, and relationship care
• Grant writing, proposal preparation, and reporting
• Coordination…