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Director Of Development Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sequoia Living

Director of Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are hiring a Director of Development, to work in concert with the VP of Philanthropy, driving fundraising for Sequoia Living's Community Services Programs and Life Plan Communities (Continuing ...

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Director Of Development information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$45.1K

$103K

$172.8K

How much do director of development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of development in San Rafael, CA is $102,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Development, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree and substantial experience in development roles. Familiarity with donor management systems (such as Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), grant writing, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills help cultivate donor trust and inspire teams. These capabilities are crucial for meeting fundraising goals, sustaining organizational growth, and advancing the nonprofit’s mission.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of development when managing fundraising initiatives?

Directors of Development often face challenges such as balancing short-term fundraising goals with long-term relationship building, motivating and aligning diverse teams, and adapting strategies to shifting donor priorities. They must also ensure effective communication across departments and with external stakeholders. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, data-driven decision making, and the ability to inspire both staff and donors toward the organization's mission.

What is the difference between Director Of Development vs Development Manager?

AspectDirector Of DevelopmentDevelopment Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall development strategy, manages teams, and aligns projects with organizational goals.Manages specific development projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project delivery.
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees, and experience in leadership roles.Bachelor's degree in relevant field, experience in project management or development.
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, often in office settings.Operational, project-focused, collaborative team environment.

The main difference is that the Director Of Development focuses on strategic oversight and leadership, while the Development Manager handles day-to-day project management. Both roles require relevant experience and collaboration, but the director has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities.

What does a director of development do?

A Director of Development is responsible for overseeing an organization's fundraising and development strategies. They manage donor relationships, create fundraising campaigns, and coordinate with staff to achieve financial goals. This role often involves working with nonprofits or educational institutions to secure grants, cultivate major donors, and ensure the sustainability of funding. The Director of Development also analyzes fundraising data and trends to improve future efforts and typically reports to executive leadership.
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Development jobs in San Rafael, CA? The most popular types of Of Development jobs in San Rafael, CA are:
What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Director Of Development jobs? Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Director Of Development job openings:
Director Of Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Development job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,983 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Director of Development

Gateway Public Schools

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Director of Development
(Full Time/Hybrid/Exempt)
GATEWAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In 1998, a group of San Francisco parents had the dream of creating a school that would be a gateway to college for all students regardless of race, income or learning differences. They founded Gateway High School, a college preparatory, public charter school in San Francisco. Since then, more than 98% of its graduates have gone on to college, nearly twice the statewide rate. Expanding on its success, Gateway Middle School was established in 2011 to support students starting in 6th grade. Today, Gateway's mission is to prepare a broad range of learners for success in college and beyond by combining a rigorous academic program with an approach where the individual talents, strengths, and needs of its learners are identified and supported. With two campuses in San Francisco's Western Addition, Gateway Public Schools (GPS) serves nearly 800 students and an entire community of educators each year. Learn more about Gateway schools at www.gatewayps.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Gateway seeks a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented Director of Development to strengthen, scale, and lead a comprehensive fundraising program that supports Gateway's mission and long-term sustainability. The Director of Development will be directly accountable for achieving Gateway's annual fundraising goal of $1.7M-$2M+ (with the expectation of continued growth toward a future capital campaign), and will partner closely with the Executive Director to grow the major gifts pipeline, optimize development systems, and build a culture of philanthropy across the board, staff, and broader community. This is a complex, multi-dimensional role, spanning strategy and planning, major gifts, institutional giving, events, development operations, donor stewardship, and staff management.
The Director of Development will oversee all aspects of individual, institutional, and event fundraising, with a particular emphasis on:
  • strengthening and scaling major donor strategy and execution
  • building clear systems and accountability structures
  • developing compelling messaging and donor communications
  • supporting the Executive Director in high-level donor engagement
  • ensuring accurate, reliable development operations and achieving measurable fundraising results

This is a pivotal moment for Gateway's development function. The ideal candidate is a driven, innovative, and results-oriented leader who thrives in environments where they can build on a solid foundation, deepen relationships, and elevate the organization's fundraising capacity.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
  • Develop and implement annual fundraising goals and strategies aligned with organizational priorities, with direct accountability for achieving results.
  • Lead major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, and event fundraising.
  • Serve as a key ambassador for Gateway with donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

Major Gifts
  • Lead all aspects of major donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
  • Support the Executive Director in donor strategy, meeting preparation, and follow-up.
  • Grow multi-year major gift pledge commitments.

Annual Giving
  • Expand Gateway's donor base through targeted outreach, appeals, and stewardship.
  • Strengthen family and alumni giving programs.
  • Develop a strong recurring giving program.

Institutional Giving
  • Identify, manage, and review grant proposals and reports.
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of institutional funders.
  • Maintain strong relationships with foundation and corporate partners.

Events
  • Oversee Matters of the Mind, Gateway's largest fundraiser and other events.
  • Ensure events are mission-aligned, financially successful, and strategically leveraged for donor cultivation.

Development Operations
  • Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent development operations.
  • Oversee database management, gift processing, acknowledgments, and reconciliation with the finance department.
  • Produce regular reports for the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.

Communications & Outreach
  • Partner with the Executive Director to produce fundraising and marketing materials.
  • Support community outreach, public relations, and external engagement.

Board Relations
  • Prepare development reports for the Board of Trustees.
  • Engage board members in fundraising strategy and execution.
  • Lead the Development Committee of the board in partnership with board committee chair
  • Provide training and support to strengthen board participation in development.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports directly to the Executive Director. The Director of Development (DD) will work within the Development Department and across other central office teams and with school site staff to accomplish the goals of fundraising. The Associate Director of Development reports directly to the DD.
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000, commensurate with experience and track record. GPS offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance (employee premiums covered and additional stipends for dependents), life insurance, 6 weeks paid vacation, 10 sick days, and 14 paid holidays, professional development budget, a retirement savings plan with employer match, and, if qualified, student loan repayment support.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Development/Fundraising Experience: Proven success and experience (7 - 10 years preferred) in nonprofit development, with a personal track record of raising in the range of Gateway's $1.7M-$2M+ goal - candidates who have personally driven results of roughly $1M-$3M annually are strongly encouraged to apply. Track record of achievement with major gifts, capital campaigns, events, and multi-channel fundraising from individual and institutional funders. Demonstrable ability to grow individual giving programs. Candidates should be prepared to speak specifically to dollars personally raised, the largest gift personally cultivated and closed, and provide references from direct supervisors who can verify results.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated flexible leadership skills, including relationship management and team building. Experience managing a team and in planning, leading, and managing development initiatives, including tracking and reporting on progress. Collaborative, participatory leader.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovative Thinking: Ambitious about social impact and social change, including the pursuit of equity. Knowledgeable about current trends in charitable giving and innovative fundraising practices and avenues. Creative and strategic thinker who takes initiative and actively seeks to deepen current donor relationships and to forge new ones.
  • Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, able to passionately communicate Gateway's mission and vision to various constituents. Excellent written communication, research, and organizational skills, including grant writing and reporting. Skilled at establishing strong relationships with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Technology: Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, prospect databases, and other digital platforms.

DEI AND ANTIRACIST COMMITMENT
Gateway is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Gateway strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply. Learn more about Gateway's commitment to anti-racism and a pro-Black community here: www.gatewayps.org/gps/anti-racism

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