About Shifting Gears
Founded in 2017, Shifting Gears empowers all women through outdoor recreation and education to remove barriers and foster belonging. Our programs focus on breaking down barriers that stand between women and their outdoor aspirations. We envision a world where women lead, fostering transformative change and nurturing inclusive communities.
About the Position
Shifting Gears is hiring a Development Lead who possesses deep experience in non-profit fundraising and understands the development needs of a small community-based organization. This position will work to strengthen the financial capacity of Shifting Gears by researching, applying for, and managing grants; soliciting individual donations; supporting large and small fundraising events; and acquiring corporate sponsorships. The Development Lead will work in partnership with the Fundraising Committee of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to develop and implement a successful fundraising strategy. Our goal is to see this role grow to be full-time by January 1, 2026.
Job Objectives
- Work with the Executive Director and Fundraising Committee to identify, cultivate, and receive funding from individual donors.
- Craft and implement a “case for donating” or “fundraising rationale” to secure funds from individual donors.
- Manage Shifting Gears’ grants lifecycle, including grant research, grant writing, and reporting.
- Support the Executive Director and Fundraising Committee in executing fundraising events throughout the year. This typically includes two major fundraising events (Sippin’ on Cider and the Holiday Auction) and bi-monthly “micro-fundraisers” like brewery pint nights.
- Solicit and secure monetary and in-kind donations from corporate sponsors.
- Manage relationships with corporate sponsors, foundation funders, and individual donors.
Job Skills & Qualifications
Preferred Experience:
- At least three years of experience working in development, including individual donorship, events, grant writing, and sponsorships.
- Experience cultivating relationships and securing funding from individual donors.
- Success winning grants of at least $10,000.
- Understanding of unique barriers experienced by small grassroots organizations.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with clients, staff and volunteers.
- Ability to manage deadlines and produce quality results with organization and attention to detail.
- Ability to present information in front of large groups of people.
- Excellent computer skills in: Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides), Adobe Suite, Square, Squarespace, and CRM software.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: in-person, email, phone, and virtual.
- Ability to work as a team member and promote a collaborative work environment.
- Ability to work independently and autonomously make decisions.
- Demonstrate skills that promote equity and inclusion in a culturally diverse environment.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle.
This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position that pays $26.50 to $28.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Benefits include a flexible work schedule and 10 days of PTO per year. Our goal is to see this role grow to be full-time by January 1, 2026. The position is open until filled.
To Apply:
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to In your cover letter, please address how your experience aligns with the job description above and why you believe you would be a good fit for the role.
Shifting Gears is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.
Shifting Gears is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered. As an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $26.50 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Ability to Relocate:
- Bellingham, WA 98225: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
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