Director, Major Gifts and Individual Giving

Director, Major Gifts and Individual Giving

Okizu (oak-eye-zoo) comes from the Sioux language and means unity, to come together, to heal from a hurt, to make whole. The mission of Okizu is to help all members of families affected by childhood cancer heal through peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs.

Since 1982, Okizu has partnered with pediatric oncology treatment centers across Northern California to provide ongoing support through its Oncology, Siblings, Family, Bereavement, and Teens‑N‑Twenties programs. Each program is rooted in the power of community and the healing experience of overnight camp.

Okizu understands that the financial burden associated with a pediatric cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for families. To ensure access for all, every Okizu program is offered free of charge. This commitment allows families, particularly those from low to moderate‑income communities, to participate fully. The organization is dedicated to serving every child and family in Northern California and Northern Nevada affected by childhood cancer, regardless of physical condition, geographic location, ethnicity, or economic background.

Okizu is entering a transformative chapter and is seeking to add a Director, Major Gifts and Individual Giving to the team. This inaugural role will play a pivotal part in helping the organization achieve its ambitious fundraising goals for Camp Okizu. With an overall budget of $2.7 million, the Director will help diversify revenue streams and expand upon Okizu’s strong and loyal donor base to ensure long‑term sustainability and growth.

Okizu seeks a creative, entrepreneurial, and hands‑on fundraising professional to build and lead its Major Gifts and Individual Giving function. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will work closely with the leadership team and Board of Directors to strengthen and expand Okizu’s fundraising capacity, developing a strategic major gifts program designed for growth and impact.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute a strategic major gifts program designed for growth and impact.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of Directors to strengthen and expand fundraising capacity.
• Build and lead the Major Gifts and Individual Giving function, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s objectives.
• Engage, inspire, and motivate donors, board members, corporate and foundation partners, and staff.
• Leverage Okizu’s database of more than 20,000 community members to inform strategy, identify opportunities, and drive growth.
• Balance long‑term strategy and short‑term priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and implement systems to track progress and measure outcomes.
• Travel as necessary and occasionally work evenings and weekends to support donor engagement and events.

• A deep belief in the power and purpose of Okizu’s mission to support families affected by childhood cancer.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and motivate donors, board members, corporate and foundation partners, and staff.
• Strong data analysis and information management skills.
• Results‑oriented mindset with the ability to balance long‑term strategy and short‑term priorities.
• Demonstrated success in building and deepening donor relationships, expanding major donor support, and achieving measurable fundraising growth.
• Collaborative and flexible approach, willing to travel and work evenings/weekends.
• A minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in major and principal gift fundraising.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Salary range: $120,000 to $130,000 annually.

Benefits: partially subsidized health insurance; vision and dental insurance plan options; cellular phone provided or partially reimbursed; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); 403(b) retirement fund; professional development.

Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out your Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

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