The Deschutes River Alliance is hiring a new Development Director!

Organization Description

The Deschutes River Alliance is a science-based advocacy organization seeking collaborative solutions to the threats facing the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River and its tributaries. We advocate for cooler, cleaner water, a healthy ecosystem, and the recovery and protection of robust populations of resident and anadromous fish. We use the data and analysis from our scientific research to effectively advocate for solutions to the critically important issues facing the Deschutes Basin.

Position Summary - Development Director

The Deschutes River Alliance seeks a proactive and organized individual to manage and help advance the organization’s development activities. We are looking for someone who, in addition to having the skills below, loves and values environmental restoration, clean rivers and is comfortable in a rural lifestyle. Preference will be given to candidates involved in the fly fishing industry.

 This is a full-time, exempt position, reporting to the Executive Director. The objective of this role is to develop and execute strategies for securing financial and other resources sufficient to support Deschutes River Alliance’s mission and strategic plan. The annual budget is $750,000 and is funded via events (300+ person auction and annual festival plus smaller events), individual donors and private foundations.

 The Director of Development is responsible for all development activities including events management, campaign appeals and all aspects of the grants acquisition program. This position will actively engage and grow our donor base, including outreach to current and prospective individual, corporate and foundations donors.

 This position will closely collaborate with a small team of staff, supervise an Outreach Coordinator, coordinate with the Board of Directors, and provide some administrative support to the organization.

Responsibilities:

Donor Relations (40%)

  • Build relationships with corporate donors and local businesses for monetary and in-kind donations or event opportunities

  • Build and maintain relationships with current donors and supporters, increasing existing donations from both groups

  • Build the donor pool by identifying prospects utilizing a variety of inputs including the board of directors, current donors and supporters

  • Develop and implement two or more fundraising campaigns annually. This will include developing the donor communications

  • Develop and implement two or more major donor events annually

  • Assist the Executive Director in community building in targeted areas and build donor and supporter pools

Annual Auction (20%)

  • Take lead responsibility for all aspects of planning, organizing and managing the annual auction event, including:

  • Develop, implement and manage the annual auction plan.

  • Develop and manage the annual auction budget

  • Serve as chair of the Auction committee and organize meetings when necessary

  • Work with the Administrative and Communications Assistant to implement the auction workplan

  • Build relationships with potential sponsors to secure their sponsorship of the event

  • Lead the board of directors and others in identifying potential auction items and the making of asks

  • Solicit auction items with a focus on high end asks

  • Work with donors to encourage event attendance including purchasing of guest tables

Events (10%)

  • Work with the Outreach Coordinator to implement the Troutfest workplan

  • Partner with venues, vendors, supporters, businesses, fly fishing/rafting industry members and others to develop and hold a series of six or more smaller events each year

  • Build and maintain relationships with vendors for events

Foundations (20%)

  • Research funding opportunities and monitor pipeline spreadsheet

  • Write and submit grant applications

  • Ensure all reports and other documentation is submitted in compliance with grant contracts

  • Build relationships with foundations

Public Relations/Advocacy (5%)

  • Supports Executive Director with PR and campaign strategies and initiatives (to be determined as PR efforts develop)

  • Represent the DRA at community events

Administrative (5%)

Budget

  • Provide necessary information for the Executive Director to create annual budget

  • Monitor income sources as they relate to the budget and make necessary adjustments

Supervisory

  • Oversee the activities of the Outreach Coordinator such as database maintenance and donor communications.

Qualifications and Qualities

  • At least three to four years of proven experience in the development field

  • Demonstrated experience and confidence in asking people to contribute time and money, including engaging with donors, individually or in groups

  • Comfortable overseeing interactive databases, including running reports and updating files

  • A record of results organizing and implementing fundraising events

  • Demonstrated experience in planning and executing large scale fundraising events, like annual gala, auction, etc.

  • Strong writing skills with previous grant writing experience

  • Demonstrate timely and friendly customer service approach to work

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate effectively with donors and colleagues, and the ability to work independently

  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to assist with events or grant deadlines is required.

  • Proficiency with Google Suite and project management software

  • Prior experience managing/supervising staff and volunteers highly desired

 Other Requirements

  • Resident greater Portland/Metro area preferred due to job responsibilities (The Dalles or Hood River residents will be considered)

  • Work required on weekends and evenings (occasional)

  • Occasional travel to various meetings, venues and locations in Oregon (a valid driver’s license and automobile is required) 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary is $70,000 to $75,000 depending on experience for a full-time (40 hrs/week) exempt position

  • Work is accomplished in Portland Office, partially remote, some travel to Central Oregon

  • Benefits include health, dental, life insurance, vision and long-term care insurance

  • Retirement savings plan for employee contributions

  • Total of 11 paid holidays

  • 6 weeks PTO per year

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Deschutes River Alliance does not discriminate based on race; ethnicity; gender or gender identity; sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; age; marital status; veteran status; mental or physical disability not affecting ones ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; religion; or any other protected characteristic covered under federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If any part of our hiring process has created an undue barrier or hardship, please let us know so that we may explore accommodations with you.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to Sarah Cloud, Executive Director at sarah@deschutesriveralliance.org

All applications will be reviewed and considered.

Application Deadline:  August 15, 2025