Chief Development Officer

Description

Vivalon is a mission-driven Marin nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized ten times as a Best Place to Work in the North Bay, we are proud to foster a compassionate, innovative, and supportive workplace culture. As a $20 million organization and the largest nonprofit in Marin County supporting older adults and people with disabilities, we help people stay active, nourished, connected, and supported — while ensuring access to essential transportation.

Our core services include Rides, Meals, Classes, Care, and Advice.

Vivalon is at a pivotal moment that requires a philanthropy-focused financial turnaround. With our transformative new Healthy Aging Campus now open, the community's needs far exceeding current capacity, and philanthropy being the decisive factor in what is possible next, this is a rare opportunity to help lead both stability and expansion.

Philanthropy isn’t supporting the strategy — it is the strategy.

To drive this work, we are seeking a bold, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer who is inspired by urgency, relevance, and measurable results. You will partner closely with a CEO who is a strong closer — an experienced public speaker and relationship builder who has personally secured dozens of six-figure gifts. This is a leadership partnership built for acceleration and success.

Essential Functions Comprehensive Fundraising & Marketing Strategy

• Design and lead an ambitious multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growth
• Strengthen and innovate all donor channels — major gifts, corporate, foundation, digital, and community giving
• Drive external visibility and demand through compelling marketing and communications that amplify impact and scale
• Partner with a fundraising-forward CEO to cultivate and close high-value donor relationships
• Represent Vivalon as a compelling storyteller, community ambassador, and strategic ally to partners and funders

Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy

• Help lead Vivalon’s marketing staff to:
  • Create a bold brand and marketing strategy that significantly expands Vivalon’s visibility and reputation
  • Ensure clear, cohesive messaging across fundraising, programs, media, and events
  • Strengthen digital presence, storytelling, and content that drive donor engagement and community activation
  • Use analytics to prioritize investment and maximize marketing ROI
  • Position Vivalon as a trusted leader in the fields of healthy aging, social connection, and supporting adults with disabilities across the region

Executive Leadership Planning & Strategy

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic priorities and long-term vision
• Build alignment and philanthropic engagement throughout the organization
• Provide strategic guidance and fundraising insights to the CEO and Board
• Define and lead Board fundraising expectations, building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed for meaningful philanthropic engagement
• Champion a culture of philanthropic ownership across leadership and staff

Team Management & Mentorship

• Lead and grow a high-performing development and marketing team
• Foster collaboration, innovation, learning, and shared accountability
• Ensure operational structure and coaching that enable team success

Donor-Centered Strategy

• Advance a relationship-first philosophy that builds long-term donor trust and investment
• Create comprehensive stewardship approaches that celebrate impact
• Strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure Board members are confident and engaged fundraising partners
• Support the Board with clear expectations, tools, and coaching to increase year-over-year philanthropic participation

Systems & Infrastructure

• Maintain strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and analytics
• Utilize technology that enhances donor experience and operational excellence
• Manage budgets aligned with revenue strategy and organizational priorities
• Share clear data and forecasting updates with the Executive Team and Board leadership

Performance Expectations

• Drive an ambitious multi-year revenue acceleration, including doubling annual contributed revenue from approximately $2M in FY25 to $4M within four years

Other…