Vice President of Development, Sterling Search Inc.; San Diego, CA)

Job Title: Vice President of Development

Job Type: Full Time

Organization: Sterling Search Inc.

Salary: $225,000 to $250,00

The Vice President, Development is a strategic leader responsible for designing, executing, and scaling a multi-year fundraising strategy that fuels Think Education's statewide impact initiatives and supports the organization's mission and long-term goals. Partnering closely with the CEO and other senior leaders, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth donors to drive a multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising campaign. Strengthening and expanding relationships with foundations, corporations, and key education influencers to expand funding and visibility for the organization.

Develop and grow a robust donor pipeline, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and Donor Advised Funds (DAF), by shaping compelling donor-focused messaging and campaign materials that inspire investment and deepen commitment. Manage and mentor a fundraising team, ensuring excellence in donor stewardship, data systems, and reporting.

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic fund development plan that aligns with and supports Think Education's new strategy, focusing on securing seed and operating funding for impact portfolio initiatives (e.g., superintendent leadership development, school improvement, and digital product development).
• Work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to identify, cultivate, and solicit high-net-worth individuals to support a multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising campaign.
• Partner with senior leaders across the organization to nurture and develop strong relationships with institutional donors (e.g., foundations and corporations) and education influencers, leading to increased funding and visibility for Think's work throughout the state.
• Drive the growth of new donor pipelines, with an emphasis on high-net-worth individuals and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs).
• Serve as the primary external representative, dedicating time to cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors, philanthropic partners, and key stakeholders, including attending and participating in high-visibility community and industry events to advance strategic priorities.
• Craft high-impact messaging, with support from the marketing and communications team, tailored to donor audiences and fundraising objectives. Lead the development of materials for the capital campaign.
• Lead and mentor a team of fundraising professionals and support staff to achieve financial and strategic goals.
• Oversee all internal processes related to donor tracking and reporting.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field; proven work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• 15+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with sustained success in securing gifts from individuals, foundations, or corporations; 10+ years focused on fundraising and external relations. Experience leading capital campaigns preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and other stakeholders.

• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office software products, including Teams.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with data, budgets, and reports.
• High proficiency in PowerPoint design.