We’re Hiring: Development Director

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Development Director to lead and enhance WABA’s membership and fundraising initiatives. The initiatives include corporate giving, major donors, managing bicycling events and growing membership. This role secures the resources necessary to sustain and expand our mission of advocating for bicycling as a safe, convenient, and enjoyable means of transportation for all.

The Development Director will be instrumental in raising $1.5 million annually in unrestricted revenue. A successful candidate will oversee the membership and events team (2 people), cultivate donors, write foundation grants, and strategize how to grow events and membership.

This role involves hands-on engagement in event planning, appeal writing, and fundraising. The Development Director will spearhead efforts to build a robust membership base, fostering a strong community of supporters that propels WABA’s mission forward. Our ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for cycling who brings a track record of successful fundraising, innovative thinking, and a commitment to community engagement.

As part of WABA’s Senior Management Team, the Development Director will enable WABA to maintain its position as a leading voice for cyclists throughout the Washington area. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and make a lasting impact in the lives of bicyclists and the communities we serve.

The Job

Fundraising

• Revenue streams this person is responsible for include:
  • Individual giving (in close partnership with the Executive Director)
  • Corporate partnerships (in close partnership with the Executive Director)
  • Member acquisition and renewal
  • Workplace giving
  • Fundraising events
  • A small (and growing!) portfolio of foundation grants

• Track fundraising progress throughout the year and report regularly to the executive director, board of directors, and senior management team members on fundraising progress and opportunities. Monitor and report on trends and opportunities

• Support grant renewals and provide strategic direction for WABA’s government grants, which constitute half of WABA’s annual budget

Donor and Community Events and Stewardship

• Coordinate WABA relationships and participation with community biking groups, identifying opportunities to bring more people into the WABA fold

• Manage the Emeritus Council and steward relationships with outgoing board members, including scheduling annual Emeritus Council meetings 

• Manage relationships with corporate partners, partner organizations, major donors, and other key supporters, bringing in the Executive Director and other key staff as needed  

 Leadership

Cultivate a culture of fundraising within the organization, engaging staff and earning staff buy in for all-hands fundraising events; lead by example, working at WABA’s Signature Ride fundraising events, phone banking, and thank you note writing parties

Take an active role on the Senior Management Team, representing the development team, and WABA’s donors; contributing to strategic direction; and collaborating closely with other directors around organizational messaging, marketing, and branding 

Manage,  mentor, and celebrate the fundraising  team, encouraging and facilitating professional development and growth

Support the Executive Director’s relationship with the Board of Directors, including reporting, fundraising, and occasionally presenting at 6 annual board meetings 

Core Skills & Experience

Consider applying if you meet at least 75% of these requirements:

• At least 5 years total experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, including individual giving, grants management, corporate partnership, and special events
• At least 2 years managing direct reports 
• Excellent written communications skills
• Experience successfully developing and implementing events
• Enthusiasm and initiative to think creatively to put together donor and community events and activities as opportunities arise
• Tech proficiency, including Google Suite— this role will involve a lot of spreadsheeting, database use, emailing, virtual meetings, and navigating various partner grant portals!
• Willingness to work in an computer-based office environment and in person at the WABA office at least 2 days per week

Useful Skills and Experience

If you have this experience or these skills, let us know. You don’t need them to be considered for the position, but you should be eager to learn them:

• Passion for and experience with transportation equity, bicyclist and pedestrian advocacy, and urban planning 
• CRM experience— proficiency with Salesforce would be an extra plus 
• Willingness and ability to hop on a bike for a ride with a prospective donor and see where it goes

About WABA

WABA empowers people to ride bikes, build connections, and transform places. We envision a just and sustainable transportation system where walking, biking, and transit are the best ways to get around.

Visit our about us page to read about our values, theory of change, and more.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range is $88,000 – $100,000
• 32 hour workweek!
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums. 
• Vacation, sick and personal leave, including:
  • Accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation starting in your first year, with additional hours after two, five, and ten years of service. 
  • Accrue up to 160 hours annually of paid sick time starting in your first year.
• WABA supports and promotes the health of its staff. You may use accrued sick time for unscheduled leave when not feeling well (mind or body), as well as for scheduled medical appointments. 
• Paid time off for holidays, generally following the federal holiday calendar. 
• Twelve weeks paid parental leave through the DC Paid Family Leave act (based on eligibility), and four weeks of additional parental leave from WABA. 
• Immediate access to WABA’s 403(b) retirement program, with up to a 5% employer match after one year of service. 
• Optional commuter transit benefit (pre-tax deduction). 
• Optional voluntary benefits including life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability. 
• A fun and relaxed workplace environment. 
• Passionate, supportive colleagues who are dedicated to working together for our mission and seeing the impact of our work. 
• $5 Annual Capital Bikeshare membership

Position Location:

This role is designated as “hybrid” with at least two days on-site at the WABA office (presently in Adams Morgan).

EEO Statement:

WABA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all people,  regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, arrest record or criminal convictions, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex, or age.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to jobs@waba.org with “Development Director” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Position available immediately. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Please understand that we do not accept incomplete applications or phone/fax applicants.

waba.org