How to apply for Development and Communications Director

About WWIN (Washington Women in Need)

WWIN (Washington Women in Need) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering Washington women to achieve college and career goals through financial assistance and comprehensive support. As a remote-first organization, WWIN offers flexibility while fostering a collaborative, relationship-centered culture. Joining WWIN means playing a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for women across the state during an exciting phase of growth.

About the role

The Development and Communications Director will lead WWIN's fundraising and communications strategy, aiming to raise $2 million or more annually through individual giving, grants, sponsorships, events, and partnerships. This role is both strategic and hands-on, overseeing major gifts, annual giving, donor stewardship, and organizational messaging. You'll also provide leadership for Elevate, WWIN's signature fundraising event, and supervise a Development and Communications Associate plus external consultants. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of a growing organization and directly support women in achieving their educational and career aspirations.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with the Executive Director to align on fundraising priorities, reviewing grant proposals with the grant-writing consultant, and crafting a donor appeal email. You might also have a check-in with the Development and Communications Associate, strategize with the Board's development committee, and prepare for an upcoming major donor meeting. The role blends strategic planning, team leadership, and hands-on execution, all while advancing WWIN's mission.

Who WWIN (Washington Women in Need) is looking for

• Proven experience in senior fundraising roles, with a track record of securing major gifts and meeting or exceeding annual revenue targets of $2M+.
• Strategic and collaborative leadership style, capable of managing and mentoring staff and external consultants while working closely with the Executive Director and Board.
• Strong communications skills, with the ability to craft compelling messaging across various channels and serve as an external ambassador for WWIN.
• Experience in event leadership, preferably with signature fundraising events, and a passion for women's empowerment and educational equity.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience raising $2M+ annually, specifying the sources (individual giving, grants, events) and your direct role in achieving those goals.
• Showcase your ability to lead and collaborate with a small team and external consultants, emphasizing your management style and results.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the Washington state philanthropic landscape, including key funders, community partners, or regional networks.
• Mention any experience with signature fundraising events, particularly if you've led an event similar to WWIN's Elevate.
• Tailor your cover letter to WWIN's mission, explaining why you're passionate about supporting women's education and career advancement in Washington.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your proven track record in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that raise $2M+ annually.', 'Your experience supervising staff and consultants, and collaborating with executive leadership and boards to achieve organizational goals.', 'Your ability to integrate communications and development efforts to enhance donor engagement and public visibility.', "Your personal connection to WWIN's mission and why you are excited to contribute to their next phase of growth."]

Research before applying

• Explore WWIN's website, annual reports, and recent newsletters to understand their programs, impact, and current fundraising initiatives.
• Research the philanthropic landscape in Washington state, including major foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors who support women's education.
• Learn about WWIN's signature event, Elevate, by reviewing past event materials, sponsorship packages, and attendee feedback if available.
• Understand WWIN's remote work culture and how the development team operates virtually, including tools and communication practices.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building a pipeline of major gift donors in Washington state, given WWIN's current donor base?
• Describe your experience leading a signature fundraising event. How would you ensure Elevate meets its revenue goals and engages donors?
• How do you balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a remote work environment?
• What metrics do you use to evaluate the success of development and communications efforts, and how would you apply them at WWIN?
• How would you collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on fundraising metrics without demonstrating a genuine commitment to WWIN's mission and the women they serve.
• Underestimating the importance of communications in the role; avoid treating it as secondary to development.
• Neglecting to mention experience managing remote teams or external consultants, as this is a key aspect of the position.