California Finance Director

The Working Families Party (WFP) is the progressive party for the multiracial working class, fighting for a nation that works for the many, not the few. We recruit, train, and support transformational candidates up and down the ballot — and run them to win. We believe that no matter where we come from or what our color, most of us want the same things: to earn enough to thrive, leave a better future for our kids, access healthy food and clean water, live in safe neighborhoods, and be free. The Working Families Party is regular people coming together across differences to build a better future. We’re a multiracial party that fights for workers over bosses and people over the powerful, striving for an America that realizes the promise of freedom and equality for all.

About the role

The Working Families Party is seeking a California Finance Director to lead fundraising strategy and execution for the California donor community. The Finance Director will design and implement a comprehensive finance plan and build the infrastructure needed to meet ambitious fundraising goals. You will oversee all aspects of the finance operation, including major donor cultivation, events, donor research, and serve as a primary point of contact for fundraising efforts. You’ll work closely with senior staff to drive call time, coordinate events and travel, track data, and grow a robust, mission- and values-aligned donor program.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for our California campaigns, with a focus on major donors, PACs, and events.
• Set and track monthly, quarterly, and cycle-to-date fundraising goals and key performance indicators.
• Organize and lead call time for state and national principals: prepare call lists and call sheets, draft briefings, track pledges, and manage timely follow-ups.
• Conduct research on current and prospective donors, organizations, and PACs to support strategic outreach and expand the donor universe.
• Ensure accurate data entry, clean records, and effective donor segmentation in our CRM (currently: EveryAction).
• Plan and manage fundraising events—from small salons and briefings to large-scale receptions and statewide gatherings.
• Build and steward strong donor relationships through personalized engagement, cultivation plans, and regular campaign updates.
• Work with donor networks, organizers, and bundlers to expand support and leverage the WFP donor community.

Qualifications

• Fundraising Experience: 2+ years of experience in political fundraising, with at least one federal or statewide campaign strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage a major donor program and meet ambitious fundraising goals.
• Clear Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief and coach staff for call time and events.
• Self-Directed Project Manager: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and work evenings/weekends as needed. Plans ahead and finds alternative paths to meet goals, even when things are hectic.
• Project Management Experience: Demonstrated experience managing projects and collaborating with stakeholders. Has managed systems to keep tasks from slipping through the cracks, juggles competing demands, and prioritizes without sacrificing quality. Plans backwards to meet deadlines and asks for help when needed.
• Detail Oriented: Notices and fixes errors that others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
• Mission Alignment: A commitment to building a party that seeks governing power by, for, and with working-class people of all races.

Pay

The final salary offer will fall into one of the following ranges depending on location:

• National Market (most locations): $64,900 - $91,800
• High Market (e.g., Baltimore, Los Angeles, Portland): $75,900 - $100,400
• Very High Market (e.g., Boston, New York City, San Francisco): $82,400 - $109,000

The final salary will be determined based on an internal equitable scale that considers years of experience, geographic location, and job responsibilities. The upper end of the salary range is reserved for individuals who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications and years of experience.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement plan options
• Professional development funding
• Remote work support

Schedule

The position is full-time and permanent.

Union Affiliation

WFP is a unionized workplace. This is a non-managerial role eligible to join WFP's staff bargaining unit after six months of employment. WFP's union employees are represented by the California Metropolitan Area Joint Board, Workers United union.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.