Development Director

SHADOW is hiring a Development Director! 

The Development Director is an integral part of the SHADOW team, building the relationships, fundraising strategy, and philanthropic community that will protect wetlands, wildlife, and open space for generations to come. 

If you are… 

…someone who believes fundraising is really about building authentic relationships, listening well, and connecting people to a cause that inspires them, you'll feel at home here. The Development Director role at SHADOW is built for someone who understands that every conversation, every stewardship touchpoint, and every gift is an opportunity to deepen a person's connection to conservation. 

…the kind of person who gets excited about building something from the ground up, you'll love this opportunity. As SHADOW's first dedicated Development Director, you'll create the systems, strategies, and donor experiences that will shape the organization's future and leave a lasting legacy. 

…comfortable moving between big-picture strategy and hands-on execution—developing an annual fundraising plan one day, writing a compelling donor appeal the next, and then meeting a prospective donor or presenting to the Board—you'll thrive in this role. 

…someone who enjoys collaborating with passionate volunteers, board members, community leaders, and donors, while also being self-directed enough to manage priorities independently, you'll find a team that values initiative, creativity, and trust. 

…the type of fundraiser who celebrates both a first-time $50 donor and a transformational major gift because you understand they're both expressions of belief in the mission, SHADOW needs exactly that perspective. 

…drawn to environmental conservation, inspired by protecting one of King County's last remaining wetlands, and excited by the opportunity to help grow an organization at a pivotal moment in its history, we'd love to hear from you. 

Position Overview 

Organization: SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve 

Position Title: Development Director 

Status: Full-Time | Salaried Non-Exempt 

Location: Renton, Washington | Hybrid (minimum two days per week onsite) 

Salary: $62,000–$75,000 annually, depending on experience, plus benefits 

Reports To: Board of Directors 

Posted: July 2026 | Open Until Filled 

Why This Role Matters 

This is SHADOW's first-ever dedicated Development Director—a rare opportunity to build an entire fundraising program while helping shape the future of an organization entering an exciting period of growth. 

You'll work directly with an engaged Board of Directors, an experienced Executive Director, passionate volunteers, and an experienced fundraising advisor during your first year. Together you'll create the systems, donor relationships, campaigns, and strategies that will sustain SHADOW's mission for decades to come. 

This isn't simply maintaining an existing program. 

It's creating one. 

Success in your first year means donors feel appreciated, fundraising systems operate smoothly, campaigns become more intentional, and SHADOW enters its next chapter with a sustainable philanthropic foundation. 

Position Overview 

Organization:  

SHADOW  

Position Title:  

Development Director 

Classification:  

Full-time, salaried, non-exempt 

Compensation:  

$62,000–$75,000 annually, depending on experience, plus benefits 

Hours:  

Full time- some evenings and weekend availability required 

Location:  

Renton, Washington | Hybrid (minimum two days per week onsite) 

Reports To:  

Board of Directors 

SOC Code:  

11-2033- Fundraising Managers 

Position Summary 

The Development Director is responsible for leading SHADOW's fundraising and donor engagement efforts, developing and implementing strategies that strengthen philanthropic support and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. As SHADOW's first dedicated development professional, this position will build and manage donor stewardship programs, annual giving campaigns, grant funding, fundraising systems, and community partnerships while serving as a key ambassador for the organization. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, volunteers, and community stakeholders, the Development Director will create meaningful donor relationships, establish sustainable fundraising infrastructure, and advance SHADOW's mission of protecting and restoring critical wetland habitat for future generations. 

How to Apply 

Check here for a complete job description. Please submit and queries about the role or the following application materials to Max@shadowhabitat.org and Trisa@shadowhabitat.org with the subject line Development Director: 

Cover Letter (maximum two pages) 

Resume 

One writing sample (grant proposal, donor appeal, newsletter, or similar) 

Three professional references 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee feels welcome, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission.