Development Director

The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), a 501(c)(4) organization, is the political arm of California's environmental community. 

CLCV is distinguished for its political influence: we support environmental candidates for state public office, work to pass strong environmental legislation, and rate the environmental performance of state legislators and the governor in our annual California Environmental Scorecard. Visit our website to learn more about CLCV. 

CLCV Education Fund, CLCV's 501(c)(3) sister organization, protects California's natural resources and improves the health of our communities. For more information, please click here. 

Position Overview

This position calls for a fundraising expert with a demonstrated ability to raise $3 million in combined funding for the 501(c)3 and (c)4 organizations. The candidate must be a dynamic individual with exceptional leadership and staff management skills.

This person should be comfortable building a stable and growing funding base of individuals, foundations, corporate supporters, and nonprofit partners through major gifts, membership, fundraising events, planned gifts, and grants. The Development Director will define annual revenue goals for major donors and membership, work with the CEO and Board in achieving those fundraising goals, manage revenue and cash reporting, increase donor engagement, and steward long-term supporters.

In addition, the Development Director will lead a strong Major Gifts program, developing strategic and targeted giving opportunities to inspire major donors towards increased giving in support of the CLCV mission, and working closely with two Development Managers and the Communications team to acquire new members and build a robust major donor pipeline.

In partnership with the CEO, Political Director and Board, the Development Director will manage, cultivate, steward, and solicit an active portfolio of approximately 200 donors and prospective donors who give, or have the potential to give, $5,000 or more.

This position will be based either in Oakland or Los Angeles. The Development Director will supervise four fundraising and development operations staff based in Oakland and Los Angeles and will work closely with the CEO and other executive team members.

Primary Responsibilities  

• Secure 501(c)3 and (c)4 revenue goals each year ($3M combined), develop realistic budgets, project cash flow, and report on weekly revenue. 
• Supervise four staff involved in individual donors, development operations, and events, as well as vendors/consultants assisting with grants and membership. Mentor two major donor officers in building their fundraising skills. 
• Work closely with the CEO and CFO to track revenue. Manage all major donor solicitations so that gifts budgeted are received within the period expected.
• Build and maintain relationships with major donors who give $1,500+. Manage portfolio of high-level donors and prospects. Create stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation strategies; engage key Board and staff, as appropriate, in donor relationships. 
• Coordinate donor meetings by the CEO and Political Director, who will each serve as primary contact for approximately 25 principal gift donors giving $10,000+. 
• Fully engage members of the CLCV and CLCV Ed Fund Boards in fundraising activities. Serve as liaison to the Development Chair and Committee, and provide all Board members with the tools, knowledge and personal interaction to become active partners in achieving development goals.
• Supervise the Development Managers and the Data Services Manager to ensure prompt, accurate entry of gift and donor activity in Raiser's Edge and prompt gift acknowledgment, coordinate lists for membership appeals, and create accurate reports that inform and prioritize fundraising activities for donor acquisition, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Supervise grants management process and a contract grantwriter for timely submission of grants, reports and other documents to assure compliance and good relationships with agencies and foundations. Build a robust pipeline of grants for the 501(c)3 CLCV Ed Fund. Work closely with the Ed Fund staff to gather content for proposals and reports.
• Regularly evaluate internal systems and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness. Ensure that the department complies with all relevant policies and regulations set forth by the IRS, Board and CEO. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

• Minimum five years' nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated mastery of a wide range of donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Bachelor's degree or comparable experience.
• Tangible successes in major gift fundraising, event planning, membership, donor communications, and staff management. 
• Success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors for 6-figure gifts.
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication, and presentation and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent CLCV's mission and interests to a diverse group of individuals and audiences.
• High energy, results-oriented leader with personal initiative and a sense of humor. Friendly, outgoing and collaborative approach to foster a strong team-oriented style.
• Knowledge of database management systems and moves management principles, including Raiser's Edge or similar software.
• Willingness to travel, mostly within California, and to work evening events.
• Familiarity with political advocacy, 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 organizations.
• Experience managing remote staff. (CLCV Development staff work in Los Angeles and Oakland.)
• Manage and motivate a team towards the completion of fundraising goals and activities outlined in the 5-year strategic plan and annual work plans. 

Compensation: Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.  

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to temail your resume and a cover letter. Be sure to indicate "Development Director."
• No phone calls please. 
• The position is open until filled. No phone calls please. 

~ The California League of Conservation Voters and CLCV Education Fund are committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a pleasant working environment. ~