Development Director

Full Time
Posted
2 weeks ago

YES Nature to Neighborhoods seeks a dynamic leader to enhance the organization’s mission through strategic fundraising and communication. With a recent expansion in team size and a capital campaign underway, the Development Director will spearhead the effort to raise $2.7 million for operating expenses and $1 million for the capital campaign in 2024-25. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with board members and donors, the ideal candidate will be skilled in relationship-building, fundraising, and project management, and thrive in collaborative environments with a commitment to place-based work and racial equity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Relations & Board Engagement (25%) 

● Manage a portfolio of 100 donors and funders who give $500+ a year, coordinating with and providing support to the Executive Director, as well as personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding these donors. 

● Develop and implement a Major Donor moves management strategy that aligns with the public phase of the capital campaign and builds from YES's existing relationship-building and donor stewardship practices. 

● Oversee and work with the Resource Development Committee (RDC) of the Board to set and achieve fundraising goals and build the board’s engagement in fundraising. 

● Work one-on-one with board members to establish their annual fundraising goals and engagement. 

Strategy & Capital Campaign (20%) 

● Develop and activate a fund development plan, create fundraising benchmarks and measures of success through quarterly plans, and ensure implementation of the team’s strategies and actions to meet YES's annual and 3-year strategic funding goals. 

● Alongside the Executive Director and Campaign Consultant, oversee the successful implementation and completion of the YES capital campaign (75% of funds raised to date).

○ Manage capital campaign contract assistant 

○ Participate in weekly strategy meetings with Executive Director and Campaign Manager to identify next steps and track progress 

○ Participate in monthly Campaign Leadership Committee (CLC) meetings and support CLC members in their fundraising efforts 

○ Draft content for quarterly newsletters to campaign supporters 

○ Participate in donor asks 

○ Set annual and quarterly goals, priorities, and track progress via a funding map Events & Appeals (20%) 

● Lead the visioning, strategy, content, and production and distribution timeline for fundraising campaigns and in-person events alongside the Development and Communications Specialist. 

● Identify and cultivate corporate sponsors and secure sponsorships and in-kind support

● For events, manage the budget, program, and fundraising elements of the event, and coordinate board and staff engagement 

● Review and analyze campaign progress and results and adjust strategies to achieve goals Foundation, Corporate, and Government Grants (15%)

● Direct institutional giving strategy and conduct outreach to new funders in collaboration with Executive Director, board members, and YES program staff 

● Review and refine grant proposals and reports to ensure they are clear and compelling

● Collaborate with Director of Finance to inform complex proposal and report budgets

● Oversee the Grants Specialist’s work in submitting grant applications and reports 

Communications & Brand Visibility (10%) 

● Support the Development and Communications Specialist to create a communications plan and strategy to increase brand awareness, organizational visibility, and in support of the organization’s mission and values 

● Oversee and provide vision for all institutional communications including annual report, collateral, videos, etc., ensuring brand and mission alignment 

● Oversee donor stewardship communications 

● Elevate YES’s profile and brand through comprehensive strategies including relationships with press and develop a program to send out regular press releases to local and regional media outlets 

Organizational Leadership and Team Management (10%) 

● Supervise and manage the full-time Development and Communications Specialist and Grants Specialist and the contract Capital Campaign Assistant 

● Engage in organization-wide activities including board engagement, strategic planning, strategic decision-making, senior staff and all-staff meetings, and staff committees for special projects as appropriate 

● Actively participates in organization wide Equity, Inclusion and Diversity work. ● Participates in training programs related to professional development, leadership, non-violent communication, anti-Black racism, and other relevant areas. 

● Engages in team meetings focused on promoting self-care and fostering connections. ● Participate in fundraising affinity/networking groups to keep informed of trends and current issues in the development field. 

● Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to prepare fund development budgets and reports, forecast annual revenue, and support financial tracking and reporting on restricted grants 

● Continue to support and operationalize organizational and departmental racial justice work plans and practices 

 

“MUST HAVE” QUALIFICATIONS 

● Minimum 5 years’ experience serving in a nonprofit development leadership role with emphasis on major gifts, event fundraising, and communications 

● A proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets

● The ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, volunteers, and staff

● Commitment to a personal and professional exploration of power and privilege, including a willingness to self-reflect and experience discomfort in difficult and transformative conversations. Previous organizational and personal DEI work required. 

● A demonstrated commitment to asset-based fundraising that advances racial justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity 

● Great organization skills and detail-orientation, and capable of managing multiple projects and priorities effectively 

● Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills 

● At least two years of experience managing one or more staff 

● Ability to work on-site in Richmond at least 2 days or 16 hours per week, and remotely nearby for the remainder of the week, following YES’s hybrid guidelines. 

 

“NICE TO HAVE” QUALIFICATIONS - If you have any of these be sure to include them in your application! 

● Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape of the Bay Area including the public and private sector 

● Appreciation for the outdoors and the positive impact that nature plays in people’s lives

● Experience working in youth development or social justice organizations

● Experience working in racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities

● Experience working with nonprofit boards 

● Previous experience managing and administrating a fundraising database, and expertly managing spreadsheet data. Examples include Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect or other donor management software. (Salesforce experience preferred.) 

● Willingness and ability to work some nights and/or weekends as necessary. 

Note this position requires frequent use of computer and handwritten work, may require prolonged sitting or standing through the course of the workday, requires the ability to bend, lift and carry up to 30 lbs. 

 

COMPENSATION 

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range: $109,000 - $116,000 depending on experience. 

YES offers a generous benefits package to all regular full time employees that includes:

● 100% medical, dental, vision coverage 

● 403b retirement matching program 

● 10 vacation days in the first year with incremental accruals thereafter, 10 sick/wellness days annually, 13 holidays, 1 day paid time off for birthdays 

● Paid holiday closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day 

● Fully paid 6-week sabbatical program after six years with the organization

● Wellness perks (yoga discount, annual wellness stipend, outdoor gear discounts)

● Professional development stipends 

 

TO APPLY 

Please email your resume and a personalized cover letter describing why you are interested and qualified for this position to Maria Chan, Human Resources Manager at careers@yesfamilies.org.

Projected start date is January 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position open until filled. First interviews are anticipated to start in October and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. 

YES is an equal opportunity employer. You will be part of a team that values diversity of cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. We carefully consider every applicant who takes the time to apply. YES strives to reflect the community it is proud to engage with and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you are interested in the position, even if you don’t believe that you meet all the qualifications, we strongly encourage you to submit your application. 

Do note that we require all employees to have received an FDA-approved vaccine against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Location
3029 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804