Director of Development

Position Summary

We are looking for a passionate and self-directed team leader to develop, champion and execute the organization's fundraising strategy. The Director of Development will build a diversified revenue base across individual giving, foundations, corporate partners, and government sources. This person will report to the Executive Director and manage a two-person development team against clear monthly performance targets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary duties include:

Strategy, Budget & Performance Management

• Design and implement an annual development plan aligned to organizational goals and the operating budget
• Own the development department budget, including expense management and ROI by channel
• Set annual and monthly revenue goals, and track leading indicators — donor visits and meetings booked, qualification and solicitation counts, proposals submitted, ask amounts outstanding, pipeline value by stage, retention and upgrade rates
• Report monthly on goals, pipeline, and variance to the ED; report quarterly to the board with analysis and course corrections

Major Gifts & Individual Giving

• Manage a personal portfolio of mid-level & major donors and prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Grow annual giving, monthly sustainers, and membership programs
• Develop planned giving and legacy gift pathways

Institutional Funding

• Oversee grant strategy, writing, submission, and reporting for foundation and government funders
• Cultivate corporate sponsor ships and cause-marketing partnerships

Team Leadership

• Directly supervise two development staff; set individual goals, hold regular one-on-ones, and manage performance
• Coach the team on moves management discipline and pipeline hygiene
• Support and coach the ED and board members on their fundraising roles
• Serve as a role model by adhering to and enforcing organizational policies, procedures and codes of conduct

Communications & Events

• Partner on donor-facing communications, appeals, and impact reporting that translate conservation outcomes into compelling narratives
• Lead fundraising events and donor engagement experiences, including site visits to conservation projects

Operations

• Oversee the donor database, gift processing, acknowledgments, and data integrity
• Ensure compliance with gift acceptance policies and grant reporting requirements

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes:

• 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including direct major gift solicitation
• Demonstrated success closing five- and six-figure gifts
• Experience supervising and developing staff
• Track record of managing to metrics — comfort with budgets, forecasts, and leading-indicator dashboards
• Grant writing and institutional funder management experience
• Proficiency with CRM/donor databases and fundraising analytics
• Excellent writing and interpersonal skills; comfort as a public face of the organization
• Genuine interest in conservation, land stewardship, and environmental issues
• Ability to work independently in a small-team environment where roles flex
• Willingness to travel within California (primarily the SF Bay Area) and work occasional evenings/weekends. Must have a valid California driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with river, watershed or land conservation organizations
• CFRE certification
• Remote position with a location within the San Francisco Bay Area

Travel

This position will be primarily remote office-based(60%) with frequent travel required (40%) to donor engagements across the Bay Area and occasionally to our offices in Modesto and Sonora. Occasional overnight travel may be needed for donor meetings and special events in more distant locations. Proof of a valid California driver's license and insurance will be requested at the time of employment.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full time, exempt, remote position within the San Francisco Bay Area. Anticipated salary is $120,000 to $140,000 annually, including a generous benefits package (see below). Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications…