POSITION: Development Director
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SALARY RANGE: $95,000-$115,000 annually
LOCATION: Portland, OR (Hybrid)
Who We Are
The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is at a transformational moment in its 30-year history. Long recognized as the designated arts council for Portland and Multnomah County, RACC has evolved into a dynamic steward of public art, a provider of professional development for artists and arts organizations, and a leading advocate for equitable arts policy and investment across the region.
As public funding structures and political landscapes shift, RACC is building a new, strategic, entrepreneurial approach to revenue generation, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement. We are expanding our public presence, deepening our relationships, and shaping a bold new identity that reflects the role of arts and culture in a thriving, just, and vibrant region.
The Opportunity
RACC is hiring its first Development Director to lead the creation of a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising program. Working closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership, the Development Director will be charged with launching and growing a culture of philanthropy at RACC—setting vision, building infrastructure, and cultivating deep relationships with funders, donors, and partners.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to build something new within a well-established organization with a strong regional presence and a powerful story to tell. If you are a builder, a strategic fundraiser, and a believer in the power of arts and culture to transform communities, we want to meet you.
Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Program Development
- Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy that includes individual giving, major gifts, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and earned revenue partnerships.
- Build internal fundraising infrastructure, including tools, systems, and processes for donor management and gift tracking.
- Set and achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals in alignment with organizational priorities.
Donor & Funder Engagement
- Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, institutional funders, and government partners.
- Represent RACC at events and in meetings with key stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and Board to activate networks and strengthen relationships with regional philanthropic leaders.
Communications & Storytelling
- Collaborate with the communications and public engagement team to craft compelling fundraising messaging that reflects RACC’s evolving identity.
- Translate RACC’s programs, values, and community impact into narratives that resonate with donors and inspire investment.
Grants & Institutional Giving
- Oversee the grant writing process, including identifying opportunities, managing deadlines, and ensuring alignment with RACC’s values and voice.
- Work across departments to gather content and track grant outcomes, compliance and stewardship
Internal Collaboration & Culture-Building
- Partner with staff leadership and board of directors to foster an organization-wide culture of philanthropy.
- Work alongside RACC’s program teams to identify revenue-generating partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on organizational sustainability and growth.
Qualifications
- At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of securing individual and institutional gifts.
- Strategic, entrepreneurial thinker with experience launching or significantly expanding a fundraising program.
- Familiarity with the Portland Metro philanthropic and civic ecosystem is strongly preferred.
- Exceptional storytelling, writing, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with or within public agencies, advocacy organizations, or arts and culture nonprofits is a plus.
- Cultural competence, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Exceptional employer-sponsored healthcare coverage
- Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling
- Hybrid work environment with downtown Portland office space
- Opportunity to shape a high-impact development program from the ground up
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining your interest. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by September 1, 2025.
