Development Director - Non-Profit Foundation

Our client, a distinguished foundation committed to fostering educational opportunities and community enrichment, is seeking a visionary Development Director to lead their fundraising and donor engagement efforts in **Sacramento, California, US**. This critical role will oversee all aspects of development, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and annual giving campaigns. The Development Director will be responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet and exceed the organization's financial goals. This position involves a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility while maintaining essential in-person engagement with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of non-profit fundraising best practices, a proven ability to cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners, and a passion for the organization's mission. You will lead and mentor a dedicated development team, manage the fundraising calendar, and oversee donor database management and reporting. Key responsibilities include identifying new funding opportunities, developing compelling proposals, organizing fundraising events, and ensuring effective communication of the foundation's impact to its supporters. Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills are essential. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a substantial contribution to a vital cause and to shape the future financial sustainability of a respected community organization.

Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan to achieve annual and long-term financial goals. Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Manage and oversee the annual giving program, including direct mail, online giving, and membership initiatives. Identify, research, and pursue grant opportunities, overseeing the proposal development and submission process. Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events, including galas, auctions, and cultivation gatherings. Lead, mentor, and manage the development team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. Oversee the maintenance and effective utilization of the donor database (CRM) for accurate record-keeping and reporting. Develop compelling communication materials, including case statements, appeals, and impact reports, to engage donors. Represent the foundation at community events and to prospective donors. Ensure compliance with all relevant fundraising regulations and ethical standards. Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree or CFRE certification preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and development, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and institutional giving. Proven success in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies and campaigns. Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts from major donors ($10k+). Experience with grant writing and securing foundation/corporate funding. Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills. Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in donor management software (CRM systems). Understanding of budget management and financial planning for development activities. Passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to community impact.