Development & Fundraising Manager
Connect. Cultivate. Build. Collaborate. Inspire. Fund Change.
If you are passionate about community impact, and helping small businesses thrive by connecting people and resources—join the Livelihood NW team!
Overview
At Livelihood NW, we believe entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for wealth creation. For over 30 years, we have helped small business owners—especially those from historically marginalized communities—launch, grow, and sustain thriving businesses. Our programs provide one-on-one advising, cohort-based learning, bookkeeping support, workshops, and access to resources and referrals for more than 725 entrepreneurs each year across Oregon and SW Washington.
As a member of our growing team, you’ll join a group of dedicated professionals who are collaborative, communicative, and deeply committed to our mission. We support one another, value work-life balance, and embrace the diverse perspectives that strengthen our organization and the community we serve.
In the Development & Fundraising Manager role, you will help sustain and expand Livelihood NW’s mission by cultivating relationships, securing resources, and amplifying the impact of our work. You’ll partner closely with leadership to connect funders, sponsors, and donors with opportunities to invest in entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic vitality.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive economy—one entrepreneur, one partnership, and one success story at a time.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION PURPOSE
The Development & Fundraising Manager will partner closely with the Executive Director to design and execute a relationship-based fundraising strategy that strengthens Livelihood NW’s capacity to serve local entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Oregon and SW Washington. This position will focus on cultivating and securing philanthropic, corporate, and public funding; stewarding donors and partners; and integrating fundraising efforts with our community engagement work.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in corporate and foundation grant development, individual donor cultivation, and building partnerships with public-sector agencies. The role offers flexible scheduling options and primarily remote work, with occasional in-person meetings and events in the Portland metro area, and across the Pacific Northwest. While most services are delivered virtually, all staff must live near Portland, Oregon, and be willing to commute periodically for in-person staff and community events.
EXPECTED RESULTS OF JOB PERFORMANCE
Work in close alignment with the Executive Director to build upon a successful development program.
Set fundraising targets collaboratively with the Executive Director and strive to achieve annual donor/funding goals.
Engage as a collaborative member of the Livelihood NW team, ensuring our development efforts align with program goals, organizational priorities, and community impact.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES)
Fund Development & Donor Management
Research, identify, and qualify corporate, foundation, and public-sector funding opportunities.
Cultivate new funding relationships, bringing qualified prospects to the ED for closing.
Manage a portfolio of donors and funders; ensure timely follow-up, stewardship, and reporting.
Develop and implement donor recognition plans, including personalized acknowledgments, thank-you letters, and impact updates.
Write and contribute to grant proposals, applications, and funder reports.
Support the preparation and submission of required grant reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with funder expectations.
Maintain and expand a robust prospect pipeline through ongoing research and relationship development.
Plan and execute fundraising campaigns and donor appeals (e.g., annual giving, targeted initiatives).
Track donor engagement and giving history in CRM systems, using data to analyze trends and inform strategy.
Partnership Development & Community Engagement
Build relationships with economic development agencies, public-sector partners, and peer nonprofit service providers statewide.
Re-engage past clients and alumni as potential donors.
Represent Livelihood NW at community and partner events to increase visibility and foster relationships.
Collaborate with program and marketing staff to connect community engagement opportunities with fundraising efforts.
Campaign & Event Support
Collaborate on the planning and implementation of fundraising events, from logistics to sponsorship acquisition.
Support both virtual and in-person events that cultivate donors and raise organizational visibility.
Organizational Integration & Administration
Document activities and outcomes accurately in compliance with contract and grant requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
Support donor-related communications in collaboration with the Director of Marketing.
Provide limited administrative support for development activities and events.
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Required:
Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising and/or development, including donor cultivation and grant writing.
Experience in one or more of the following: corporate sponsorship acquisition, foundation grant portfolio growth, individual donor stewardship, or public-sector funding development.
Familiarity with donor CRM/database systems.
Preferred:
Minimum 2–3 years of development experience.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Strong understanding of the nonprofit landscape and trends.
Knowledge of Oregon’s nonprofit and economic development ecosystem.
Experience in fundraising for organizations serving historically marginalized communities.
Bilingual skills.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Enthusiasm for small business development and entrepreneurship.
Demonstrate cultural competence and the ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust, confidence, and positive relationships.
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
Effective time management and organizational skills; ability to meet deadlines.
Self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful.
Critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace, Zoom, and Microsoft Office Suite.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Compensation: Position is paid hourly. Hourly wage from $30-35/hr. depending on experience. Weekly hours are not expected to exceed an average of 20-25 hours a week. Benefits include cell phone stipend and a retirement match program for eligible staff. Opportunities to grow to full-time status with salaried compensations that include medical and retirement benefits.
Position Location: Livelihood NW delivers business support services virtually, however all Livelihood NW staff need to be located near Portland, Oregon, or willing to commute, in order to attend periodic in-person staff and community events.
Physical Requirements: Position requires sitting for extended periods of time. Position requires physical lifting of 35lbs. or less, on a limited basis.
Livelihood NW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
Work Schedule
Hours will average 20–25 per week, typically across four to five days during business hours, with occasional evening and weekend engagements. The specific weekly schedule is flexible. Employees must be able to work effectively by telecommuting.
TO APPLY
Applications accepted until the position is filled. If Livelihood NW does not have a position open, application will be kept on file and referenced if/when there are job openings. If you have questions feel free to contact us at hr@livelihoodnw.org.
