Development Director

Youth in Focus is excited to share that we are expanding our leadership team and seek a full-time Development Director. If you’re passionate about supporting youth development, arts education, and increasing access to opportunity, this may be the position for you!

ABOUT YOUTH IN FOCUS

Youth in Focus’ mission is to equip youth to share their ideas and values with the world through photography and art. As the only photography-specific youth development organization in Seattle, YiF provides free and pay-what-you-can programs for youth ages 13-19, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and career-connected learning. Through after school classes, mentorship, and hands‑on training, students gain technical skills while developing confidence and self‑expression. YiF prioritizes equitable access, ensuring youth have the tools, resources, and opportunities to explore artistic and professional pathways.

We’re looking for someone who is excited to be a part of our mission and who will champion our values of centering youth, equity, creativity, welcoming, learning, and joy! We value talents as much as skills, lived experience as much as education, and if you see yourself in this role given our qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Role Responsibilities

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Development Director’s primary focus is relationship building, strategy, and collaboration to secure financial support for YiF mission and vision. This position is responsible for individual giving, corporate sponsorship, grant management, leadership of our annual gala, and alumni engagement. The development director reports to and works closely with the Executive Director to grow and diversify our revenue sources and meet the financial goals of the organization. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of demonstrated success stewarding and soliciting individual and corporate donors; motivating board‑level volunteers and leadership staff; and working independently within a creative team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Executive Director and Fundraising Committee to create a long‑range development plan aligned with YiF’s strategic plan. Annually, set the fundraising goals and develop a plan to achieve them.
• Attend bimonthly board meetings (Tuesday evenings) and weekly staff meetings; foster teamwork and a culture of philanthropy among staff and board.
• Co‑lead the board’s Fundraising Committee, guiding committee priorities and driving tasks.
• Manage the revenue and expense budget and day‑to‑day operations of the development program. Provide regular accounting of the activities and outcomes.
• Represent Youth in Focus at community events.

Donor Development and Stewardship (30%)

Business Partnerships and Sponsorships (15%)

Grants (20%)

Participate as a Contributing Member of the Team (5%)

This position is a hybrid position that requires in‑person work with staff and students at the YiF office (hybrid schedule to be coordinated upon hire, at least 2 days in office).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position is full‑time, exempt (40 hours / week). The salary range is $80,000‑$100,000 dependent on experience.

Youth in Focus offers the following benefits to full‑time employees :

Candidate Qualifications

If you do not have the preferred knowledge, experience, or skills, please do not be discouraged from applying. We offer professional development, support, and on‑the‑job learning. The ability to demonstrate aptitude, initiative, and attention to detail are key traits of a successful candidate.

Required Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

Priority Deadline : November 21, 2025; Open until filled

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and answers to the following three questions : 1) Why do you want this position? 2) How specifically has your professional and / or lived experience prepared you for success in this role? 3) How will you contribute to Youth in Focus’ commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for youth furthest from educational justice? Submit your application in one single .pdf file to HR@youthinfocus.org, with the email subject 'Development Director'. Please keep all identifying information (name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) to the first page. The position is open until filled; priority will be given to applications received by November 21, 2025. We will contact you if you are invited to an initial conversation; we cannot commit to responding to inquiries regarding the status of your application.

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