Nonprofit Development Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Position:Development Manager, Regional Philanthropy

Reports to:Director of Development

Location:Sonoma County (hybrid)

Type:Exempt, Full-Time

Compensation: $80-90K Annually

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership - meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Development Manager, Regional Philanthropy, serves asHomeFirst'sprimary fundraising representative in Sonoma County, leading the strategy and executionof all regional philanthropic efforts. This roleis responsible forbuilding meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, civicleadersand community partners to expandHomeFirst'svisibility and philanthropic investment throughout the region.

As the region's dedicated development professional, the Development Manager develops and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors,identifiesnew funding opportunities,representsHomeFirstthroughout the community, and works closely with program leadership to connect philanthropic investment with community impact.

While this positionoperatesindependently within Sonoma County, it is fully supported byHomeFirst'scentralized Development and Marketing & Communications teamsand works in close collaboration with the Vice President, Sonoma County. The Development Manager partners closely with colleagues responsible for donor stewardship, events, appeals, marketing, grants, and communications to deliver an exceptional donor experience and advanceHomeFirst'soverall fundraising strategy.

This position is ideal for an entrepreneurial fundraiser who enjoys building relationships, creating opportunities, and serving as a visible ambassador for an organization making lasting community impact.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Regional Fundraising Strategy.Lead and implement HomeFirst's fundraising strategy for Sonoma County. Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute an annual regional fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities.

• Build a healthy pipelineofindividual, corporate, and foundation prospects.

• Identifyemerging philanthropic opportunities within Sonoma County.

• Monitor fundraising performance and adjust strategies as needed.

• Collaborate with Development leadership toestablishannual fundraising goals and priorities.

1. Donor Relationship Management:Develop, cultivate,solicitand steward a portfolio of donors and prospects. Responsibilities include:

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.

• Conduct regular donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

• Develop individualized engagement strategies for key donors.

• Coordinate proposal development with Development leadership.

• Ensuretimelyfollow-up, stewardship, and relationship management activities.

• Maintainaccuratedonor records and activity in the CRM.
  

1. CommunityRelations:Serve asHomeFirst'sprimary ambassador throughout Sonoma County. Responsibilities include:

• Build relationships with community leaders, elected officials, businesses, civic organizations, and nonprofit partners.

• RepresentHomeFirstat community meetings, networking events, and public functions.

• Increase awareness ofHomeFirst'smission, programs, and impact throughout the region.

• Identifyopportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and community engagement.

• Support volunteer and donor engagement opportunities that strengthen community relationships.
  

1. Regional Events & Donor Engagement:Partner with Development leadership to strengthen donor engagement through regional events and activities. Responsibilities include:

• Identifyopportunities for cultivation events, donor visits, and community gatherings.

• Partner with the Development Manager, Events & Appeals on planning and execution of Sonoma County fundraising and cultivation events.

• Participate in agency-wide fundraising events and campaigns.

• Supportsponsorshipcultivation and donor engagement activities.
  

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration:Partner with colleagues acrossHomeFirstto ensure a coordinated donor experience. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with Development, Marketing & Communications, Finance, and Program teams.

• Work with the Development Manager, DonorStewardshipto ensureaccuratedonor records and exceptional stewardship.

• Coordinate regional communications and marketing opportunities with the Marketing & Communications team.

• Participate in Development planning, forecasting, and team meetings.

• Supportadditionalfundraising initiatives and special projects as assigned.

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers' compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising or business development experience.

• Demonstrated success cultivating andsolicitingmajor gifts or comparable philanthropic investments.

• Experience managing donor portfolios and building long-term relationships.

• Familiarity with Sonoma County's philanthropic and business community is highly desirable.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Sonoma County and the Bay Area, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

• Demonstrated success working independently while collaborating across teams.

• Strategicthinkerwith strong initiative and sound judgment.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Experience with donor CRM systems.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to outstanding donor service and stewardship.

• Passion forHomeFirst'smission.