Director of Development - Special Events

Who We Are

At Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), we believe that when a child is seriously ill, the entire family needs comfort and care. Our Seattle and Anchorage Houses provide a home away from home for families so they can stay together and close to the medical care their child needs. We provide 139 families each night with housing, meals, and other support services, providing a community of care, comfort, and hope. For more than 40 years, the generosity of our community has made this possible. RMHC of Western Washington & Alaska is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Who You Are

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development - Special Events to lead our signature fundraising events and deepen community engagement in support of our mission.

This position requires a creative, relationship-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, mission-centered environment. The Director will serve as a key ambassador for RMHC, building partnerships with board members, corporate sponsors, community leaders, vendors, and volunteers to ensure that every event meaningfully advances our mission and impact. This person will be a strategic thinker, problem solver, and highly adaptable and calm under pressure with impeccable attention to detail.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Development - Special Events is a full-time, in person position reporting directly to the Senior Director of Corporate & Community Engagement. This person will provide strategic vision, leadership, and hands-on direction for RMHC’s high-impact fundraising events and community engagement programs. Working in close partnership with the Senior Director of Corporate & Community Engagement and CEO, this role drives the strategy, execution, and growth of RMHC’s two premier fundraising events—the House That Love Built Gala (raising $1.5 million annually) and the annual RMHC Golf Classic —while also overseeing a portfolio of community-led and third-party fundraising initiatives. They will work with the CEO and Development team in stewardship of donors, sponsors, corporate partners, and volunteers, overseeing the creation and organization of work plans, budgets, collateral, and timelines to execute successful events and reach development goals. They provide training, guidance, and mentorship of the Development Manager - Special Events in support of RMHC’s mission and growth.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive event fundraising strategy that aligns with RMHC’s overall development goals and brand identity.
• Establish measurable objectives and performance benchmarks for revenue growth, engagement, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance donor and sponsor experiences through events.

Signature Events Management

Community & Third-Party Fundraising

Team Leadership

Relationship Management & Partnerships

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Education / experience

Compensation and Benefits

RMHC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including 100% Special Events employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off; life insurance; retirement plan with employer match; and a supportive, mission-focused workplace culture.

Here’s why you’ll love working at RMHC :

Amazing People  – We are a collective of dedicated nonprofit professionals, direct service family advocates, social workers, and bilingual housing and facilities teams that make the RMHC House a home away from home.

Caring Environment  – Our House is a community where our nurturing staff support and provide services for families who are experiencing unique pediatric medical episodes in their lives; our House sparks joy and celebration to help lighten the heaviness of enduring medical treatments.

Great Location  – Our House is nestled in the beautiful Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle, WA along the Burke Gilman trail and a short walking distance from Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Robust Benefits  –RMHC offers generous paid time off that includes 10 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 personal days and vacation per our schedule and DOE, 100% employer-paid medical / vision and dental plans, life insurance, and 401(k) retirement savings with an employer match.

Strong History  –A Home Away from Home : RMHC of Western Washington and Alaska was established in 1983 with its first House opening in Seattle and serving 22 families. Today we have three facilities in Seattle, including 10 Bone Marrow Transplant Apartments with a total of 105 rooms. Our Anchorage House in Alaska has 34 rooms and is nestled on the 6th floor of the Alaska Native Medical Center’s patient housing. Patients include expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies as well as pediatric patients and their families.