Program Development Specialist

First review of application materials begins 8/28/2026.

About the role

The Program Development Specialist will be a 2-year project position focused on fundraising, program creation, and expansion for the Labor Education Research Center (LERC). This role will strengthen LERC’s financial standing, compliance, and sustainability by developing partnerships, new programs, and grant opportunities. The position requires expertise in Washington State labor policies, practices, and culture, as well as experience in labor organizing, workers’ rights, and donor relations.

Responsibilities

• Developing Partnerships and Contract Trainings:
  • Write proposals, liaise with clients and partners, design and plan programs, write contracts, and streamline processes for new contracts.
  • Assist the Director with designing new partnerships and contract trainings: draft proposals, meet with clients to assess needs, design and implement program policies, and write contracts.
  • Standardize and streamline LERC’s processes for developing new partnerships; improve standard proposal materials and contracts in collaboration with Purchasing and Compliance offices.
  • Collaborate with LERC staff to ensure new partnerships reflect the Center’s capacity and resources.
• Developing New Programs:
  • Coordinate implementation of initiatives identified in LERC’s Strategic Plan, including seeking resources, drafting detailed plans, agendas, and policies, and recruiting partners.
  • Work with the Director and LERC team to develop new program procedures and operational guidelines aligned with the Strategic Plan.
  • Develop materials and processes to support events, such as program agendas, participant guides, applications, and follow-up materials.
• Fundraising and Grants:
  • Coordinate grant development activities: create external communications materials for grant applications, conduct funder research, write grant applications, and assist with managing grant-funded projects.
  • Assist with the development of LERC’s major fundraising program in coordination with the Seattle Colleges Foundation.
  • Draft policies and procedures for fundraising, ensure legal and policy compliance, identify potential donors, and conduct professional outreach.
• Developing the Workers’ Rights Policy Program:
  • Convene program partners and stakeholders for discussions; plan and scope changes to the next edition of the Workers’ Rights Manual.
  • Lead the writing of the new edition, plan and lead the edition launch, and make regular updates as needed.
  • Keep the Workers’ Rights Manual up to date through a planned calendar of updates.
  • Design and lead related policy tracking projects, including stakeholder events and creation of standalone policy briefs.
  • Administer the Workers’ Rights Manual site and its translation pipeline; ensure accessibility standards are met.
• Act as a program liaison with LERC staff, the Seattle Colleges community, and the Washington State Labor Community.
• Attend evening and weekend events outside of regular working hours (scheduled in advance and compensated through flex time or overtime).
• Travel, including day trips to local meetings and events, as well as occasional longer and overnight trips throughout the state or out of state (travel expenses compensated according to state guidelines).

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional experience (non-internship) leading fundraising, program development, and/or program coordination in nonprofits, higher education, or labor organizations, with a focus on workers’ rights and organized labor.
• At least 3 years of experience developing and designing programs, including writing proposals, setting up new programs, writing project plans, holding design meetings with stakeholders, writing budgets, developing guidelines and policies, and building teams.
• At least 3 years of experience working directly with unions and other workers’ organizations on project planning, fundraising, or strategic planning.
• Experience with a labor organization as a member-leader, organizer, support staff, or other professional role preferred, along with demonstrated familiarity with the history, politics, culture, and customs of the U.S. labor movement.
• Demonstrated commitment to working against racism, exploitation, and all forms of oppression, including a deep understanding of issues concerning race, gender, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational applications for medium or large grants (>$25,000), with a history of success.
• Experience liaising with organizational donors, including outreach and donor cultivation, preferred.
• Experience conducting or being closely involved with workshops, classes, or other training and education programming using participatory or popular education methodologies preferred.
• Strong familiarity with workers’ rights laws and policies at municipal, state, and federal levels, including demonstrated experience researching, analyzing, or utilizing in-depth knowledge of these policies.
• Strong writing skills with a demonstrated record of producing reports or other long-form written work for publications or professional contexts (writing sample may be requested).
• Excellent skills with office software and technology, including fluency in Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 and Google Workspace, and the ability to quickly learn new software and platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and time management skills, including proven experience leading, coordinating, or managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours, including some evenings and weekends, to meet public/client needs (hours outside of 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday are scheduled in advance).

Schedule

• Hybrid schedule: Remote on Mondays and Fridays; in-office at South Seattle College’s Georgetown Campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• Regular working hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.
• Position may require attendance at evening and weekend events (compensated through flex time or overtime).

Pay

Salary range: $62,748–$80,436 (Grade 53). Initial salary placement is generally $67,740–$74,688 (Steps E–H).

Benefits

• Competitive pay rates and promotional opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Paid sick and vacation leave.
• Transportation benefits.
• Tuition waivers.
• PEBB Wellness Plan.
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group participation.