Finlandia Foundation National seeks an engaging, experienced Development Director to lead and grow its fundraising efforts. This is a fully remote position that can work from anywhere in the United States.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role and help shape the next phase of FFN’s fundraising efforts. This is a frontline fundraising role with direct responsibility for building relationships, making asks, and growing revenue. As FFN’s first Development Director, you will develop strategy, expand fundraising capacity, strengthen systems, deepen donor relationships, and help grow a lasting culture of philanthropy. If you are a strong relationship builder, a compelling storyteller, and a fundraiser who loves both strategy and action, this could be a great fit.
What We Offer.
- $85,000 – $105,000 annual starting salary.
- We provide a monthly reimbursement for health, dental, and vision expenses, giving you peace of mind to use the providers you trust and the flexibility to choose the coverage that works best for you.
- This position is performed primarily remotely. The Director has a travel budget and is expected to travel, approximately 25% of the time, for donor meetings, events, and engagement opportunities across FFN’s national network. FFN has offices in Pasadena, California, and Hancock, Michigan.
What You’ll Do.
- Lead and strengthen FFN’s fundraising strategy, enhancing current efforts while identifying new opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability.
- Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects.
- Develop cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and moves management strategies that deepen engagement and increase giving.
- Partner closely with the Executive Director and Board to identify opportunities and strengthen donor relationships.
- Create compelling donor communications, proposals, impact reports, stewardship materials, and appeals.
- Plan and support fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities.
- Help establish fundraising systems, processes, and tracking tools that support long-term success.
- Oversee donor pipeline activity ensuring accurate gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting.
- Represent FFN at donor meetings, chapter gatherings, cultural events, and networking opportunities across the U.S.
- Collaborate across the organization to support fundraising goals and strengthen donor-centered storytelling.
What We’re Looking For.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. CFRE or ACFRE certification is welcome, but not required.
- 5 or more years of experience in fundraising, development, or related endeavor, with demonstrated success securing major gifts.
- Experience developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan, including portfolio management, annual giving, planned giving, and special events.
- Proven success working with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage both longtime supporters and new prospects.
- Excellent storytelling ability with a talent for translating mission into donor enthusiasm and support.
- Confidence working independently with a high level of autonomy, while also collaborating effectively with leadership, staff, volunteers, and board members.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and follow-through.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and sharp attention to detail.
- Experience with eTapestry, Blackbaud, or similar donor database software is helpful.
- A positive, can-do mindset and the flexibility to adapt in a growing organization.
- An understanding of, appreciation for, or genuine interest in Finnish culture and Finnish-American heritage.
Are you ready for this rare leadership opportunity? Apply today at finlandiafoundation.hirescore.com
Why Us? Finlandia Foundation National is growing. Its work spans cultural preservation, education, scholarships, grants, community connection, and national programming—while continuing to build stronger awareness of Finnish and Finnish-American contributions across the United States. For the right person, this is a chance to step into a meaningful leadership role, build a development function with vision and purpose, and help ensure that a powerful cultural legacy continues to thrive.
