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Fund Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alena Museum

Fund Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

JOIN US: We are looking for a senior-level professional who can come on and grow with us as our Fund Development Director. In this role, you will support the high-level development of our ...

Essential Access Health

Be Seen First

Vice President of Fund Development

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

Vice President of Fund Development The Vice President of Fund Development will lead the strategy, execution, and growth of Essential Access Health's fundraising efforts to support a stable ...

Alena Museum

Fund Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

JOIN US: We are looking for a senior-level professional who can come on and grow with us as our Fund Development Director. In this role, you will support the high-level development of our ...

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All JobsFund Development JobsFund Development Jobs in California

Fund Development information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$70.2K

$103.1K

How much do fund development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for fund development in California is $70,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fund Development vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectFund DevelopmentFundraising Coordinator
Primary FocusStrategic planning, building long-term donor relationships, and organizational growthExecuting specific fundraising campaigns and events
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, and program developmentCoordinating events, outreach, and direct donor solicitation
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor’s degree, experience in development or nonprofit managementOften a bachelor’s degree, with emphasis on communication and event planning
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, strategic meetings, and relationship managementEvent sites, community outreach, and direct interaction with donors

Fund Development involves strategic planning and building long-term relationships to support an organization’s growth, while Fundraising Coordinator focuses on executing specific campaigns and events. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and daily activities.

What is fund development?

Fund development is the strategic process of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting financial support for an organization, typically a nonprofit. It involves building relationships with donors, organizing fundraising campaigns, writing grant proposals, and managing donor communications. The goal of fund development is to secure the resources necessary to support the organization’s mission and programs. Professionals in this field use a variety of methods, including events, direct mail, online campaigns, and major gift solicitation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fund development, and why are they important?

To excel in Fund Development, you need strong relationship-building abilities, persuasive communication skills, and a background in fundraising or nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree or certification like CFRE. Familiarity with donor management software such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack is common in the field. Outstanding organizational skills, creativity, and resilience help professionals build donor trust and navigate fundraising challenges. These skills are vital for effectively securing resources and sustaining organizational growth and impact.

What are some common challenges faced in fund development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Fund Development often encounter challenges such as donor fatigue, competition for limited funding, and cultivating long-term donor relationships. To address these, it's important to maintain transparent communication with stakeholders, diversify fundraising strategies, and leverage data to personalize outreach. Collaborating closely with program teams and leveraging digital tools can also enhance engagement and demonstrate the impact of donations, ultimately strengthening donor trust and loyalty.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fund Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Fund Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fund Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Fund Development job openings:
Fund Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fund Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,193 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Director, Fund Development

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Fund Development Director provides strategic leadership for all fund development efforts at Girl Scouts Heart of Central California (GSHCC). This position is responsible for grants management, annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship, planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations. Working closely with the council's Executive Team, the Director develops and implements strategies to strengthen donor engagement, expand philanthropic support, and achieve the council's fundraising goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to achieve annual revenue goals and advance the council's mission. Drive individual, corporate, and foundation initiatives to grow philanthropic support and donor engagement.
  • Lead cross-functional strategy, segmentation, planning and execution of annual fund appeals in partnership with the marketing department and key stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals.
  • Partner with the Executive Team to advance strategic fundraising priorities and cultivate high-impact philanthropic opportunities.
  • Oversee all aspects of grant development and management, including research, proposal development, submission, compliance, reporting, and coordination with staff to ensure successful implementation and fulfillment of funding requirements.
  • Cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, community partners, and key stakeholders to expand the council's philanthropic network. Ensure excellence in donor stewardship, grant compliance, and data management to support sustainable fundraising growth.
  • Develop and implement a major gifts strategy, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and active portfolio management to deepen donor engagement and increase philanthropic investment.
  • Develop and promote planned giving opportunities to build long-term philanthropic support and strengthen the council's future sustainability.
  • Develop annual fund development goals, budgets, and work plans; utilize donor database systems and fundraising analytics to monitor performance, identify giving trends, evaluate progress, and inform fundraising strategies.
  • Identify, cultivate, and steward corporate and community partners to secure sponsorships, volunteer engagement, and in-kind support aligned with council priorities.
  • Partner with the Executive Team and Board of Directors to strengthen board engagement in fundraising, donor cultivation, and ambassador activities.
  • Supervise, coach, and support the Fund Development Associate, ensuring effective execution of development operations, donor stewardship activities, database management, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

  • Bachelor of Arts in a relevant field.
  • Five plus years' experience working in a fund development department.
  • Proven fundraising experience.
  • Prior Donor Perfect or other donor database maintenance experience.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (SharePoint, Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Ability to practice confidentiality and adhere to the Donor Code of Ethics.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to recognize and respect the many forms of diversity.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to embrace the Girl Scouts mission, goals, values and council-driven programs.
  • Have a reliable form of transportation, CA driver's license, a clean driving record, proof of insurance, and be willing to drive as needed throughout the 18-county region.
  • Availability to work council events.

WORK HOUR/TRAVEL
  • Ability to work 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A willingness to work occasional nights and weekends as required.

GSHCC Community Statement
Girl Scouts Heart of Central California (GSHCC) is a girl-centric and performance-driven community. At GSHCC, our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Across 18 counties, we offer an array of programming and perspectives with the goal of ensuring all girls, volunteers, and staff have a safe space, where they can learn and grow and be their authentic selves. Our entire Community Statement can be found in the GSHCC Employee Handbook.
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God* and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
Girl Scout Law
Girl Scouts of all ages recite-and live by-the ideals listed in the Girl Scout Promise and Law. They remind us to do our best in being kind to others, respecting ourselves, making the world a better place, and so much more.
As a member of GSHCC staff, I will do my best to be:
honest and fair
friendly and helpful
considerate and caring
courageous and strong
responsible for what I say and do
respect myself and others
respect authority
use resources wisely
and make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout

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