Director, Regional Development Strategy - West

About the position

In the role of the Director, Regional Development Strategy, you will have both external and internal-facing responsibilities, primarily focused on leading the creation and execution of a comprehensive, multi-regional development strategy to ensure the required fund development targets are met annually. This revenue-generating leadership role is critical to advancing Playworks’ 2028 strategic goals.

Strategic Alignment and Impact

• Advance Playworks’ 2028 strategic priorities by aligning multi-regional fundraising efforts to organizational goals, including significant growth in new corporate and foundation partnerships, expansion of regional funding, diversification of institutional revenue, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Support the clear articulation of Playworks’ impact - both nationally and regionally - strengthening organizational value proposition to institutional funding partners.
• Build regional annual plans alongside regional leaders designed to attain revenue goals.

Revenue Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a multi-regional fundraising strategy that supports national revenue goals, with direct accountability for achieving new revenue targets of $500,000–$600,000 annually from corporate and foundation sources across the assigned regions.
• Ensure each region meets or exceeds its fundraising targets — holding full accountability for the dollars raised, maintaining 3X pipeline coverage of the goal, and achieving organization-standard win and conversion rates.

Collaboration Efforts

• Align, customize, and advance regional fundraising plans, funder engagement strategies, and priorities that complement Playworks’ national development strategy.
• Pursue and secure new funding opportunities, including multi-regional or national prospects.
• Collaborate with and guide regional program and development teams in adopting fundraising models, providing strategic oversight, coaching, and support to regional development staff to ensure consistent execution and results.

Performance Management

• Ensure fundraising practices are cohesive, consistent, coordinated, and data-informed across regions, contributing to organizational-wide visibility and confidence in revenue planning and risk mitigation.
• Use data to inform decision-making, identify trends, and recommend strategic shifts to maximize return of effort and achieve efficiencies.

Required Skills & Experience

• 7-10+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in securing and managing six-figure gifts, partnerships, or multi-year funding with a strong background in multi-regional, national, or complex organizational development structures.
• Proven track record of developing and executing fundraising strategies across multiple regions, including aligning local efforts with national priorities.
• Strong experience translating organizational vision or strategy into clear, actionable regional fundraising plans.
• Experience collaborating across departments and coaching or supporting regional fundraising staff.
• Strong background in pipeline development, forecasting, and performance monitoring across diverse geographic areas.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create persuasive proposals, strategic plans, and presentations.
• Highly organized, analytical, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working within CRM systems (Salesforce highly preferred) and managing complex fundraising data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively, foster alignment, and contribute to a strengths-based, mission-driven organizational culture.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Chief Development Officer.
• The hiring salary for this position is $122,600 (CA Bay area or NYC) and $116,400 in all other areas.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plans with employer match, life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
• A generous Flexible PTO policy with paid sick and holiday leave.

About Playworks

At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis.