Project Development Director Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Location: Anaheim, California
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join us in building a more inclusive world at Braille Institute of America. We are undertaking one of the most transformative initiatives in our history, planning our next century of success in serving the blind and visually impaired communities.
Through our 2025-2027 strategic planning process, we identified the next generation opportunities to advance critical initiatives in areas such as customer research; the expansion and transformation of current programs and services; the development of new nationally and internationally accessible programs; the creation of dynamic new strategic partnerships; and the alignment of our mission, strategy, and resources.
If you are ready to join a dynamic organization transforming the lives of individuals experiencing vision loss, we want you on our team.
WHO WE ARE
At Braille Institute, we are driven by a shared purpose: to serve the blind and low vision community. We come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, finding fulfillment in the impact we create. We believe in fostering a culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and flexible.
We understand the importance of work-life balance, valuing both personal and professional fulfillment. Here, you'll find an environment that supports your well-being while providing opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive alongside colleagues who are sighted and visually impaired.
Join us in embracing technology and innovation as we shape the future of accessibility and positively transform the lives of those with vision loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Submit a cover letter addressed to the hiring manager: Matthew Swearman
OVERVIEW: Braille Institute's Development team raises funds that work to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by low vision or complete sight loss. The fundraising team is comprised of 16 members who work closely on annual giving, mid-level giving, major gifts, planned gifts, capital projects, and campaigns.
Founded in 1919, Braille Institute of America (BIA) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive providers of free services for people who are blind or visually impaired. BIA has an annual operating budget of approximately $30 million and is funded almost entirely through private donations.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job Summary: The Director of Development - Orange County serves as the organization's lead fundraiser and development representative for the Orange County region (with potential support for Riverside County). This role manages a strategic portfolio of major gift pros strategy and regional implementation of the organization's major gifts strategy, and plays a central role in advancing the Together for Impact culture across the region.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Development manages a strategic portfolio of major gift prospects in Orange County (and, as needed, Riverside) and is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making gifts between $10,000 and $100,000, building a robust regional pipeline, and contributing to a team revenue goal of $5M+.
This position collaborates closely with the Senior Director of Development, regional leadership, the Director of Planned Giving, the San Diego Gift Officer, and cross-departmental partners to advance regional fundraising priorities. The Director maintains high standards of data integrity, oversees regional dashboards and forecasting, and ensures accurate documentation of donor interactions. As a senior representative of the organization, the Director builds community partnerships, participates in regional events, and promotes the organization's mission to donors, prospects, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
As a director, this role must maintain knowledge of Braille Institute of America programs and services for use in meetings and solicitations. The role must also attend donor, volunteer, student and community events to promote the organization and solicit gifts, as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned. As the organization continues to evolve, duties or tasks may change without impacting the overall Job Description.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties.
Knowledge and Education: A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is desired. Advanced knowledge of fundraising techniques, moves management, communication strategies, including writing/editing.
Skills and Abilities: Position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. Must have proven ability to establish and maintain donor relationships and secure funds from donors.
Experience: Five years minimum in a fundraising position or equivalent experience
Certifications/licenses: Valid drivers license is preferred
Work Environment: Position works in a standard office environment which may be remote. Travel in the Southern California area is required.
Physical Requirements: Position operates standard office equipment.
Salary range: $110,000-$125,000
#BIA1
HOW TO APPLY
Complete an online application by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. A Sign-In window will pop up where you can enter your email address and password to log in if you have already created an account on this Career Site. If you don't have an account yet, please click the "Create One Now" link on the Sign-In window to create a new account.
If you encounter an accessibility issue or difficulty creating an account, please send your cover letter and resume to resumes@brailleinstitute.org. Documents submitted as attachments must be in Microsoft Word format with the ".doc" or ".docx" file extension or as an Adobe PDF document. We cannot accept compressed or zipped files.