Director of Development
| Organization | ELSO, Inc. |
| Date Posted | January 15, 2026 |
| City | Portland |
| State | Oregon |
| Location | Hybrid |
| Type of Position | Full-Time |
| Primary Job Function | Fundraising |
| Secondary Job Function | Marketing/Communications |
| Educational Requirement | High School/GED |
| Experience Requirement | 5-10 years |
| Salary Range | $95,000 – $105,000 annually |
Description & Details
ELSO, Inc. is a Black‑women‑founded, justice‑centered organization transforming how Black and Brown youth experience science, nature, and design. As we enter our 10‑year anniversary, we are expanding our impact — and we’re looking for a strategic, joy‑filled, relationship‑driven fundraising leader to join us.
About the Role
As our Director of Development, you will shape and lead ELSO’s fundraising vision — from major gifts and donor strategy to our multi‑year capital campaign and 10‑Year Jubilee. You’ll cultivate meaningful partnerships, manage a growing philanthropy team, and help build a culture of generosity rooted in belonging, accountability, and community joy.
You’ll also serve as the Oregon Site Director, offering grounded, values‑aligned leadership for our Portland team.
We’re Looking for Someone Who…
- Has 5–7 years of fundraising and donor relations experience
- Builds authentic, values‑driven relationships
- Has experience with capital campaigns + major donor engagement
- Leads teams with clarity, heart, and accountability
- Brings lived experience and deep alignment with ELSO’s mission
Required Qualifications:
- Must be able to pass a background check as required by the Oregon Department of Education for positions that work directly with youth (Oregon State Department of Education Disqualifying Crimes 342.143)
- Proficiency with, or willingness to learn, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, Google applications such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, etc., as well as donor management software Neon
- Track record of building and maintaining strong relationships, good communication skills and creative, out of the box thinking
- 5-7 years direct fundraising (not grant writing) and/or donor relations experience
- 5-7 years cultivating and stewarding donors
- Experience managing and developing a fundraising department budget (including events budgets, income reporting, gifts in kind)
- Capital Campaign management experience
- Experience managing internal and external (including outreach and campaign) communications
- Lived experience in a marginalized community / strong mission alignment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years planning large scale outreach and fundraising events
- Experience managing a diverse site-based team
- 2+ years as major gift officer
What We Offer
- 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, vision
- Generous PTO + flexible schedule
- Phone, internet, and mileage stipends
- A joyful, community‑rooted workplace
If this work speaks to your spirit and your skills, we’d be honored to welcome your leadership—apply today and walk with us into ELSO’s next chapter. Please apply at: Director of Development - ELSO, Inc
ELSO, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace equity and representation across all identities and abilities.
Application Instructions
Apply at: Director of Development - ELSO, Inc