Director of Development, Empowered by Light (San Francisco Bay Area)

This is a remote position open to all U.S. candidates, but San Francisco Bay Area-based preferred, with regular in-person engagement expected with donors, board members, and community partners.

About the Role

EBL seeks a Development Director to work closely with the Executive Director, Board, and Fundraising and Marketing Committee to raise $3 million in contributed revenue over the next two fiscal years, and to build the relationships, systems, and philanthropic partnerships that will support EBL’s mission and growth for years to come.

This highly external-facing role is responsible for building deep, long-term donor relationships and executing a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising strategy that ensures EBL’s long-term financial health.

Responsibilities

• Raise $3M in contributed revenue over two fiscal years.
• Grow EBL’s major donor pipeline and stewardship program.
• Expand foundation and corporate partnerships.
• Build fundraising systems and donor engagement practices that support long-term growth.
• Increase board engagement in fundraising.
• Set and align EBL’s long-term fundraising vision and annual revenue goals as part of a multi-year, donor-centered fundraising strategy that builds continuity, trust, and sustained community engagement while ensuring that programmatic commitments, legal requirements, and gift-related compliance standards are maintained.

Donor & Portfolio Management

• Donor & Major Gifts: Develop and lead EBL’s Major Gifts program, including prospect identification and qualification, personalized cultivation, well-crafted solicitations, and disciplined stewardship. Maintain and develop a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, with emphasis on cultivating mid-level and major donors. Support the Executive Director in managing and stewarding high-priority donor relationships using nationally and globally connected philanthropic networks to expand prospect strategy.
• Board Engagement: Support and guide board members in fundraising and ambassadorship; staff the Board Development Committee, and assist members with their donor relationships by creating talking points and tracking introductions.
• Foundation Giving: Oversee the foundation and institutional giving programs, which includes researching new foundation partnerships, maintaining the grants calendar, overseeing strategy, proposal development, deliverables, and budget creation, and cultivating strategic relationships with foundation staff.
• Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Build and grow a corporate revenue and sponsorship program from the ground up, identifying aligned partners and developing engagement strategies that boost brand visibility.
• Community Representation: Act as a visible ambassador for the organization at Bay Area community events, donor gatherings, and public-facing activities.

Communications & Donor Acquisition

• Lead EBL’s efforts to grow its donor base and deepen engagement through compelling communications and targeted acquisition strategies, such as social media channels, direct mail or email campaigns, appeal letters, and impact reports.
• Lead strategy and execution for fundraising events, ensuring strong ROI and an exceptional donor experience, and represent EBL at community and donor events throughout the Bay Area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5+ years of fundraising experience, including experience leading major gifts, institutional giving, or development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience asking for and closing major gifts.
• Track record of building and maintaining long-term relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Experience planning and managing budgetary responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success securing foundation and institutional funding.
• Comfort working in a small, informal, and/or nonprofit environment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire philanthropy through authentic engagement.
• Existing relationships with Bay Area foundations or individual donors in the environmental or social justice space.
• Familiarity with advanced gift planning concepts and planned giving vehicles.
• Experience with digital fundraising, direct mail, and current trends in major gifts solicitation.
• Knowledge of nonprofit management best practices.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.

Pay

The annual starting salary range for this position is tiered as follows, and commensurate with qualifications and experience:

• Tier 1 locations: $140,000 to $160,000
• Tier 2 locations: $120,000 to $140,000
• Tier 3 locations: $100,000 to $120,000

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Parental leave and disability coverage
• Remote work with flexible scheduling
• Professional development support