Vice President of Development

Full-time: 100% FTE, Exempt

Compensation: $140,000-$155,000 annual salary

Benefits Overview:
Medical, vision, dental and life insurance, vacation and sick time off, paid federal holidays, and retirement plan (See full job description for more details).

Organization Size: 50+ employees

Report to:
Chief Executive Officer

Location:

This role is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Digital NEST is an innovative workforce development center that has welcomed thousands of youth from working‑class, farm worker communities to develop the technical and professional skills they need to achieve their dreams. It is an exciting time for the NEST. We are focused on growth and expansion to five communities across the Monterey Bay (M ) and San Joaquin Valley (SJVR) Regions in Northern California.

Digital NEST has Centers in the heart of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and Stockton.

We are scaling rapidly and are looking for a visionary Vice President (VP) of Development to help us raise the resources to power this bold movement. Digital NEST is seeking a VP of Development to lead and strengthen our fundraising efforts as we enter our next phase of growth. This role is an opportunity for an experienced fundraising leader who enjoys building systems, creating structure, and driving results.

The VP will be responsible for developing and executing fundraising strategies that support the organization’s mission while building the processes, tools, and infrastructure needed for long‐term success. This is a hands‑on leadership role in a lean development function, requiring active engagement in frontline fundraising activities including donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and development operations alongside strategic planning and leadership responsibilities.

As a member of the Executive Team, the VP of Development will play a critical role in building a sustainable fundraising program that supports Digital NEST's long‑term growth and impact.

• Design and execute a multi‑year, multi‑million dollar development strategy aligned with Digital NEST’s growth goals.
• Design, launch, and scale a comprehensive individual giving program to build a sustainable grassroots donor base.
• Develop and lead a high‑performing development team.
• Mentor and coach development staff to foster a culture of fundraising excellence.
• In close collaboration with the Principal Research Scientist, support proposal development, grant management, pipeline building, reporting, and data systems.
• Develop and implement a process and set of criteria for evaluating the pursuit of funding opportunities.
• Build and strengthen development systems, processes, and workflows that support sustainable fundraising growth.
• Establish fundraising performance metrics, reporting dashboards, and pipeline management practices to improve accountability and forecasting.
• Optimize development operations and donor management systems, including Salesforce, to improve efficiency and decision‑making.

• Manage a portfolio of major donors, prospects, corporate partners, and institutional funders through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and ongoing relationship management.
• Build a reliable pipeline that transitions mid‑level individual donors into major gift prospects.
• Partner with the CEO, Development team, Executive team, and Board of Directors to develop philanthropic networks, co‑lead donor strategy, and expand giving at all levels.
• Partner with the CEO in coaching and guiding the Board of Directors; helping to set policies and practices for Board Members involved in fundraising, overseeing the involvement, identification, training, and support of Board Members in outreach and solicitation.
• Launch and grow new revenue channels, including planned giving, government contracts, and corporate investments.

• Build and strengthen development systems, processes, and workflows that support sustainable fundraising growth and organizational scalability.
• Oversee the effective use of Salesforce and related fundraising technologies to…