Senior Director of Development

 

 

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

In 1990, a small group of dedicated volunteers with a desire to eliminate substandard housing in our community founded San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGVHFH). Thanks to our supporters, more than 300 local and international families have been able to build or repair their own homes in Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Valley and beyond. Through the years, we have maintained our unrelenting determination to help families in need by offering a hand up, not a handout. Through donations, shopping at our ReStores, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, we help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.

ABOUT THE POSITION 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Senior Director of Development (SDD) serves as a key member of SGVHFH’s leadership team and is the chief strategist for all aspects of fundraising and donor engagement. A dynamic and collaborative leader, the SDD will bring a deep passion for SGVHFH’s mission and a commitment to mobilizing resources and relationships that drive impact. This role is ideal for a builder who can compellingly communicate the organization’s vision, inspire donors, and expand our network of supporters.

Leading a team of five, the SDD is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of all fundraising activities—including individual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, grant writing, and special events—with the goal of increasing revenue and deepening donor engagement. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of cultivating major gifts, stewarding long-term donor relationships, and fostering a culture of philanthropy across staff and volunteers. This is a hands-on, externally focused role, requiring an experienced professional who is energized by connecting with donors, driving results, and ensuring SGVHFH’s financial sustainability well into the future.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership and Strategy 

• Collaborate with the CEO and Board to align fundraising initiatives with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Participate in strategic planning and budgeting processes to ensure fundraising efforts support financial goals.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to lead donor cultivation and solicitation efforts, engaging key volunteers and facilitating major gift conversations.
• Provide monthly reports to the CEO and Board of Directors on progress toward fundraising goals, highlighting key achievements and areas of focus.
• Assist in identifying and stewarding potential Board members.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of five with a primary focus on building team capacity and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven work culture, including an effective mechanism for evaluating the team and individual performance.
• Ensure the team is equipped and motivated to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and make a significant impact within the first 6–12 months.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Develop, execute, and continuously refine a comprehensive annual development plan to achieve and exceed organizational revenue goals.
• Design, implement, and lead a major gifts program, identifying key prospects and creating personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Secure significant grant funding to support organizational programs and strategic priorities, addressing the critical need for expansion.
• Create and lead processes for cultivating existing and prospective donors, ensuring that relationships are nurtured at every stage, from initial engagement through to long-term support.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with corporate, private, and foundation funders to maintain engagement and trust in the organization’s mission.
• Oversee the research, preparation, and submission of grant applications, ensuring all are accurate, timely, and compliant with funder guidelines.
• Develop and implement strategies to significantly increase the volume and value of in-kind donations, focusing on cultivating strong partnerships with corporations and manufacturers to secure building materials, home goods, and other essential items that directly support the ReStore's mission.

Community Engagement  

• Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement advocacy strategies to raise awareness and visibility of housing issues and SGVHFH’s role in the community.
• Champion exceptional communication and relationship-building skills to effectively engage and build lasting connections with a diverse group of constituents including individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Support and lead fundraising and friend-raising events, cultivating partnerships and ensuring seamless communication, planning, and execution.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing SGVHFH at events and to key stakeholders. 
• Partner with the marketing team to create impactful marketing and communications strategies that inspire giving and enhance organizational visibility.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• At least 7 years of progressively significant, relevant experience in fundraising.
• Track record of building individual and major gift programs: identifying prospects, cultivating new donor relationships, and closing major gifts of over $10,000 on a regular basis. 
• Expertise in securing significant foundation and government grants, with a track record of successfully developing, writing, submitting, and managing complex grant proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and encourage fundraising on nonprofit boards. 
• Ability to use interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with potential funders, board members internal and external stakeholders.
• Comprehensive staff management skills, including experience building, mentoring and coaching a team of high-performing professionals, with a commitment to the continuous education and training of the development team.
• In-depth and current knowledge of fundraising practices and procedures, with a strong understanding of donor management systems (such as Charityproud and Raisers Edge).
• Skilled in collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
• Experience in producing successful and meaningful special events.
• Self-motivated and confident, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Desire to work as part of a team and willingness to promote the principles and views of Habitat for Humanity.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Salary Range is $125,000–$150,000. The position is an in-office position in Monrovia, CA. Benefits include  healthcare (medical, dental & vision), critical illness and AD&D insurance, 100% employer paid life insurance, generous 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, PTO and sick time, 10 paid holidays per year, employee discount on ReStore purchases, and other benefits.

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or different ability.

Envision Consulting was retained by San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to conduct the search for their incoming Senior Director of Development.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.