Director of Development

United We Dream (UWD) is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country. We create welcoming spaces for young people – regardless of immigration status – to make their voices heard and win victories so that all people can live free and thrive. We recruit, support, engage and empower young people and are creating a new generation of social justice leaders to change our world. 

Our powerful network is made up of 1.2 million members, over 100 local groups across 28 states, and we reach over 5 million people online every month. We celebrate our diversity and believe in multi-ethnic, multi-racial, inter-generational intersectional solutions. Over 60% of our members are womxn and 20% identify as LGBTQ.

Whether we’re organizing locally, expanding access to education, developing digital storytelling tools, or building bridges across movements, UWD places directly impacted young people at the center of decision-making.

UWD is a fast-moving, collaborative organization recognized as a leading voice for immigrant youth and a trusted partner in social change. Together with our 501(c)(4) affiliate, United We Dream Action (UWDA), we advance community-driven solutions that make this country more just and welcoming.

Learn more about United We Dream by visiting www.unitedwedream.org

The Opportunity

United We Dream seeks a seasoned, mission-driven, and people-centered Development Director to lead and expand our fundraising program during a period of growth. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance & Development, the Development Director will develop multi-year fundraising plans that sustains our programs, strengthens donor relationships, and sustains our long-term sustainability. 

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Development Director will manage and mentor a fundraising team, cultivate relationships with supporters, and align fundraising with UWD’s mission and organizational priorities. 

This is a remote position, with travel required for funder and organizational events.

What You’ll Do

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership 

• Develop and carry-out a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on stability and growth. 
• Partner with the Executive Director, Senior Director, and Board  of UWD and UWDA to connect fundraising goals with UWD’s mission. 
• Lead annual fundraising initiatives for all income streams, including foundations, major gifts, and individual donors.
• Identify new funding opportunities through relationship-building, including state-based and national funders, that align with UWD’s mission. 

Relationship Building & Stewardship

• Build and maintain trust-based relationships with institutional funders, major donors, and individual supporters to strengthen their commitment to UWD’s work. 
• Develop strategies to engage, cultivate, and solicit major donors, with a focus on driving six- and seven-figure donors to UWD.
• Ensure timely and strategic communication with funders, including proposals, submissions, reports, and personalized updates. 
• Oversee proposals, reports, and communications that use clear storytelling and impact data. 

Team Leadership & Department Management

• Supervise and mentor a talented development team, providing mentorship and clarity of roles and expectations. 
• Oversee and optimize donor data systems, ensuring effective tracking, reporting, and relationship management. 
• Implement UWD’s management tools, including weekly check-ins, quarterly feedback sessions, and annual work plans. 

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Alignment 

• Engage as a senior leader: Advise on organizational strategy; represent the Development Department’s perspective during regular senior leadership team meetings; participate in strategic and long-term planning processes for the organization
• Strategic alignment: Build consensus within the membership to ensure UWD’s Development strategy is aligned with the organizational vision and membership priorities
• Support fundraising: Collaborate with Executive Director, Managing Director, Senior Finance Director, and Development team in fundraising strategy for development priorities
• Build future leaders: Train and mentor youth in Development in order to build a pipeline of young leaders of color in the immigrant rights movement
• Demonstrate embodied leadership: Prioritize taking care of your physical and emotional health as a key component of thriving in your role. Practice self-care behaviors in ways that work best for you and proactively encourage your staff to prioritize self-care as well. Project trust & confidence in your abilities and skills and recognize the achievements and abilities of others
• Strengthen the culture: Ensure a safe, welcoming, and inspiring organizational culture for staff to excel in. Role model and uphold UWD’s values of creating an inclusive and equitable working environment 

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in fundraising and resource development at organizations with budgets of $5 million or more, with a proven track record of increasing revenue. 
• At least 2 years of management experience, successfully leading teams and mentoring early-career fundraising professionals. 
• Proven success building relationships that generate philanthropic support. 
• Strong storyteller and relationship-builder who communicates authentically across communities. 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities. 
• Deep commitment to immigrant justice, racial equity, and youth leadership. 
• Experience in multi-entity (c3/c4) setting a plus

SALARY AND BENEFITS

To Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample tohttps://unitedwedream.org/about/careers/. Please do not send duplicate materials and incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

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UWD is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. UWD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, political orientation, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or disability.