Head of Development

RISE Scholars – Head of Development, Fundraising & Outreach

Salary: $100,000–$180,000 DOE + performance bonus

This role is intended for experienced fundraisers with a demonstrated history of closing six- and seven-figure annual fundraising portfolios.

At RISE Scholars, we invest deeply and long-term in students, starting as young as age six and continuing for many through high school and college, to provide the opportunities, support, and belief needed to unlock academic and personal potential.

RISE Scholars, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunity for students who do not have access to the same resources as their more privileged peers in Marin County. While rooted at Hamilton School, a Title One K–8 public school in Novato, RISE’s work supports a community of children and families navigating systemic barriers to academic and personal success.

Through innovative academic and enrichment programs—including RISE in Math, RISE in Reading, Math Academy, Athletics, Chess, Mentoring, and Summer Hawks—RISE provides targeted, high-impact support that builds skills, confidence, and a belief in what’s possible. Our mission is to empower Hamilton School students and beyond to realize their full personal and academic potential by fostering a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and high achievement.

RISE’s commitment extends well beyond the K–8 years. We continue to support many of our students through high school and college in our RISE Scholars program, reflecting our belief that lasting change comes from sustained relationships, mentorship, and community investment.

RISE Scholars is seeking a senior-level, results-driven Head of Fundraising, Development & Outreach to lead and grow our fundraising efforts during an exciting phase of organizational growth. This is a full-time, hybrid role for an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of raising $500,000–$1,000,000+ annually for a nonprofit organization.

This role is ideal for a strategic relationship-builder who brings existing connections to high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
, and who is motivated by the opportunity to materially change the trajectory of students’ lives in an under-resourced community.

The Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, and will have significant autonomy to shape RISE’s fundraising strategy and donor pipeline.

• Lead and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy with revenue targets of $500k–$1M+.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
• Leverage existing networks while building new donor relationships aligned with RISE’s mission and growth goals.
• Partner with the Board and Executive Director on major gift strategy, donor introductions, and stewardship.
• Oversee foundation and corporate grant strategy, including prospecting, proposal development, and reporting.
• Lead RISE’s annual fundraising event(s) and smaller cultivation gatherings.
• Track progress toward goals and regularly report fundraising performance to leadership and the board.

• Ensure best-in-class donor stewardship, acknowledgments, and impact reporting.
• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting using Little Green Light or a similar CRM.
• Develop compelling donor-facing materials that communicate impact, outcomes, and student stories.
• Represent RISE Scholars within philanthropic, corporate, and community networks.
• Create opportunities for RISE leadership, board members, and students to engage with donors and partners.
• Collaborate with program staff to translate outcomes into powerful fundraising narratives.

• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience
  , with a demonstrated record of raising $500k–$1M+ annually
  . Ideally this experience would be in Marin County or the Bay area.
• Established relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and/or corporate funders
  .
• Proven success securing major gifts and managing complex donor relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to independently drive fundraising outcomes.
• E…