Advancement Director

Under the leadership of the Executive Director, the Advancement Director provides strategic direction for ACCESS’s fundraising, communications, and public engagement efforts. This role leads a comprehensive advancement strategy that integrates major gifts, donor engagement, brand management, and community visibility to expand philanthropic support and deepen stakeholder relationships.

As a member of the management team, the Advancement Director collaborates across departments to align fundraising and communications strategies with organizational priorities and programmatic needs. The Advancement Director leads and develops a high-performing advancement team responsible for fundraising, marketing, communications, events, and public relations, positioning ACCESS as a trusted and influential community partner.

Serving as the organization’s chief fundraiser and public ambassador, the Advancement Director dedicates significant time to cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and community leaders. This role is responsible for securing major and transformational gifts, strengthening donor loyalty, and expanding ACCESS’s regional visibility and philanthropic impact.

ACCESS is an energetic, diverse, and compassionate team that creates positive change in the community every day. If you are dedicated, hardworking and have a passion for helping others, ACCESS is the place for you!

· Develops and oversees implementation of a comprehensive Annual Development Plan in collaboration with the Executive Director and advancement team, aligning fundraising strategies with organizational priorities.

· Establishes and drives annual and long-range fundraising goals, monitoring performance metrics and adjusting strategies to ensure revenue targets are achieved.

· Leads and executes an integrated communications and public relations strategy that advances ACCESS’s mission and strategic priorities, ensuring consistent branding, compelling storytelling, proactive media engagement, and crisis communication readiness.

· Provides strategic oversight of all organizational communications functions in partnership with the Mar/Comms Manager and Executive Director, ensuring coordinated execution across media relations, digital platforms, social media, print collateral, campaigns, and executive messaging.

· Manages and grows a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; maintains accurate documentation of donor engagement activity.

· Builds and strengthens relationships with individuals, corporations, and community partners to expand ACCESS’s funding base and philanthropic reach.

· Oversees development of donor-facing materials including case statements, proposals, impact reports, appeals, planned giving agreements, and stewardship communications.

· Collaborates with organizational leadership to identify funding priorities tied to strategic initiatives and long-term sustainability.

· Ensures timely coordination with the Finance Department regarding major gift commitments and gift processing procedures.

· Conducts and documents a measurable number of in-person and virtual donor visits annually to secure major and planned gifts.

· Grows and maintains a strong pipeline of prospective donors to sustain long-term fundraising success.

· Provides regular fundraising updates and reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

· Leads planning and execution of annual fundraising events in partnership with advancement staff and volunteer committees, ensuring revenue targets are met through sponsorships and individual giving.

· Recruits, supervises, coaches, and evaluates advancement team members; establishes clear performance expectations and fosters professional development.

· Participates actively in management team meetings to support cross-department collaboration and organizational alignment.

· Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience; or equivalent years of experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.

· Minimum of three years of proven personnel management and leadership experience.

· Minimum of three years successful experience in major and/or planned gift fundraising.

· Minimum of one year of experience in communications, public relations, and/or marketing.

· High level of emotional intelligence to lead with empathy, manage complex interpersonal dynamics, and strengthen donor relationships.

· Personal track record of success in reaching and exceeding fundraising goals.

· Proven ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and motivate a team to achieve goals.

· Demonstrated project management, organization, delegation, and prioritization skills.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of accomplishment in these areas.

· Excellent computer skills, including thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office.

· Valid Oregon driver’s license with record that is acceptable under ACCESS’ insurance policies.

“ACCESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our guidelines are clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.”