Description
Director of Development
Northwest Academy - Portland, Oregon
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000
Introduction: A Moment of Momentum
Northwest Academy stands at an extraordinary moment in its 28-year history; a moment defined by creative energy, institutional clarity, and optimism. With the appointment of Laila “LA” Sales as Northwest Academy’s next Head of School, the school is preparing to write its next chapter.
Northwest Academy seeks a Director of Development who is eager to partner with a new Head of School, a committed Board, and a community ready to move boldly. This is an opportunity to build a lasting culture of philanthropy, connection, and pride that will shape the school for decades.
About Northwest Academy: Portland’s Progressive, Arts-Integrated School
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Northwest Academy delivers a creative, challenging, future-focused education rooted in proven progressive education practices, informed by the opportunities of Portland, and deeply connected to the arts. With and for our students, we craft an experience that empowers every learner to think critically, create boldly, and contribute meaningfully.
Our mission guides everything we do:
Northwest Academy is committed to inspiring students to discover their intellectual and artistic voices in a creative and supportive atmosphere fueled by curiosity and constructive challenge.
Northwest Academy students are supported by passionate faculty; artists, scholars, and educators who place student voice at the center of inquiry. The result is a learning environment where creativity and rigor are not competing values, but mutually reinforcing forces.
Position
The Director of Development at Northwest Academy serves as the chief storyteller of Northwest Academy’s mission and impact, and the architect of a modern, comprehensive fundraising program. A key component of Northwest Academy's future is connection with the Portland community, and the Director of Development will play a strategic role in developing and stewarding community relationships. This is not a maintenance role. It is an opportunity to build, modernize, elevate, and inspire.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the Head of School to develop and implement a multi-year advancement strategy that aligns with mission, values, and institutional priorities.
- Lead campaign strategy, including readiness, case-making, donor engagement, messaging, and volunteer management.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to institutional culture, planning, and vision.
- Strengthen systems, processes, and data management to ensure accountability and excellence.
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
- Implement all fundraising initiatives: annual giving, major gifts, capital and endowment campaigns, grant-writing, annual gala, and planned giving, including associated record and data management.
- Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
- Partner with the Head of School and Board on high-level cultivation and stewardship.
- Build modern stewardship practices that reflect the school’s values and creativity.
- Increase participation and pride across all constituent groups.
Constituent Relations & Community Engagement
- Work in partnership with admissions and marketing to unify storytelling and brand identity.
- Design events and engagement opportunities that celebrate mission and vision.
- Expand Northwest Academy’s presence in Portland’s arts, nonprofit, and civic ecosystems.
- Cultivate and mobilize a diverse corps of volunteers, from parents and guardians to alumni, grandparents, and arts partners.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 5+ years in development, ideally in education, arts organizations, or mission-driven nonprofits.
- Demonstrated success with major gifts
- Campaign experience (design and implementation)
- Experience building or leading development programs
- Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging
- Exceptional emotional intelligence paired with an equally strong instinct for impact
- Grant writing experience
- Experience using fundraising CRMs, Raiser’s Edge preferred
- Experience using fundraising event software, Greater Giving preferred
Benefits
- Health insurance including Dental & Vision paying 100% of the employee’s Base Plan health premiums (Buy-up options and dependent coverage paid by employee)
- Employer Paid Life Insurance for employee (Buy up options and dependent coverage paid by employee)
- Employer Paid ID Protection coverage for employee (dependent coverage paid by employee)
- 403(b) vested on day 1, employer match after 1200 hours worked
- Paid time off (2 weeks)
- Summer Vacation (2 weeks during the summer)
How To Apply
Candidates should submit, in a single PDF:
- A cover letter expressing interest in the role
- A current resumé
- A list of three to five references (references will not be contacted without permission)
Please send materials to:
careers@nwacademy.org
Subject line: Director of Development
Equal Opportunity Statement
Northwest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to welcoming and celebrating a diverse student and staff population. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under law.