Professional Development Manager Jobs in California

FVAP is seeking a highly skilled development professional to join our dynamic team in a key fundraising role supporting social justice. The Development Manager will play a central role in advancing FVAP’s fundraising strategy, including major donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and event-based planning and fundraising. This strategic role helps sustain and expand the funding that makes FVAP’s legal advocacy possible.

Working closely with the Executive Director and the Development and Grants Coordinator, the Development Manager will help grow and diversify funding for a $2M organization dedicated to advancing justice for survivors of domestic violence and gender-based abuse.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development

• Lead major donor cultivation, proactively identifying potential donors and representing FVAP at in-person and other meetings; conducting regular outreach in coordination with the Executive Director and board members to initiate and maintain giving relationships from individuals, foundations, and corporations to ensure achievement of fundraising goals
• Support the development and lead the execution of individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies designed to increase engagement with recurring donors, major donors, and corporate partners
• Attend all FVAP events and represent FVAP at grantor and donor events and other occasions to interact with current and potential supporters
• Manage major donor and corporate giving programs in compliance with 501(c)(3) regulations
• Expand and diversify FVAP’s donor base

Events and Campaigns

• Leading the planning and execution of FVAP’s Battle of the Bands fundraising event, which raises $100,000-150,000 annually, including cultivation and solicitation of corporate and individual sponsors, coordinating multiple vendors, performers, and volunteers, and leading the pre-event fundraising outreach to band members, giving networks, and FVAP’s existing donor base
• Manage additional fundraising campaigns and events as needed

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Director to develop and refine FVAP’s fundraising strategy
• Implement the organization’s annual fundraising plan and associated revenue goals
• Analyze fundraising performance and recommend improvements
• Monitor philanthropic trends to identify new funding opportunities

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the Development and Grants Coordinator
• Support donor communications, grants coordination, and donor database management
• Communications and Board Engagement
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and engagement strategies to support fundraising efforts
• Provide staff support for Board of Directors fundraising activities, including representing FVAP at Board-hosted donor events at least twice a year
• Provide editorial and drafting support of the organization’s e-newsletter and other marketing content as needed
• Support development of FVAP’s Annual Report

Agency Support

• Champion a culture of philanthropy by keeping staff across departments informed on fundraising priorities, actively seeking their input and ideas, and creating space for team members to support development efforts in ways that align with their interests and capacity.
• Completes special projects as assigned and required

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE

The ideal candidate is a skilled development professional with an enthusiasm for connecting with donors one on one and a commitment to ending gender-based violence through an intersectional lens.

You may excel in this role if you:

• Have experience cultivating major donors and corporate partnerships
• Enjoy building relationships with donors and community leaders
• Are highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities
• Bring creativity and initiative to fundraising strategies
• Thrive in a collaborative, small-team environment
• Are energized by new challenges and motivated to turn ideas into action

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ROLE

We believe in being transparent about the realities of the position so candidates can determine if the role is a strong fit.

In this role:

• You will occasionally work evenings or weekends for events or donor engagement
• Some travel will be required within the San Francisco Bay Area and occasionally elsewhere in California
• You will navigate rapidly evolving priorities that may require quick decision-making
• You will balance multiple fundraising initiatives and deadlines simultaneously
• You will regularly handle sensitive information and must exercise discretion and confidentiality

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of nonprofit development or fundraising experience in major donor cultivation, corporate giving, and/or events management
• Demonstrated success meeting fundraising goals through diverse funding streams for organizations with operating budgets between $2M–$5M
• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multi-year fundraising initiatives
• Strong relationship-building skills and comfort meeting donors one-on-one
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with donor databases (Bloomerang or similar CRM preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines
• Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and inclusive organizational practices
• Commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence
• Proficiency with standard office software and digital communication tools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3–5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience
• Experience meeting directly with donors or managing donor portfolios
• Experience working with Boards of Directors on fundraising
• Experience developing annual reports or donor communication materials
• Experience in legal aid, social services, or domestic violence advocacy organizations

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role primarily involves computer-based work using standard office equipment. Travel will be required for donor meetings, events, or organizational activities. FVAP currently offers largely remote work options and operates on a 35-hour workweek.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range: $95,000 – $115,000 annually, depending on experience

FVAP offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match after one year
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, commuting, and dependent care
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 3 weeks paid vacation with longevity increases
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Additional administrative closure days including a year-end office closure
• Paid sick leave and professional development support

LOCATION

FVAP’s office is located in Oakland, California, convenient to BART and bus lines. This position is eligible for hybrid or largely remote work arrangements.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply online using the application link. Do not send your resume via email.

Your cover letter should address:

• Why you are interested in working at FVAP
• How your background or experiences prepare you to perform the responsibilities of this role
• How your experiences contribute to FVAP’s commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural responsiveness

Review of applications will begin April 17, 2026 and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

FVAP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals from historically underrepresented communities.