Description

Development Director
Reports To: Founder/Director
Location: Hybrid
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary
The Development Director leads all fundraising and development activities at Lions Tigers & Bears. This senior leadership role designs, implements, and manages strategies for individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, campaigns, and events.

The Development Director partners closely with the Founder/Director and Board of Directors to build a strong culture of philanthropy, expand revenue streams, and secure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.

The ideal candidate is a passionate nonprofit leader with strong communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and exercises sound judgment in donor engagement and fundraising strategy.making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute annual and multi-year development strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Set fundraising goals and revenue projections; track performance and report results to leadership and the Board.
• Plan and lead major fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Founder/Director on all fundraising matters. 

Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-level donors and sponsors.
• Create and implement long-term donor engagement, retention, and upgrade strategies.
• Deliver effective donor stewardship, recognition, and impact reporting.
• Corporate, Foundation & Community Partnerships
• Lead corporate sponsorship and foundation giving strategies, including proposal development and submissions.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
• Represent Lions Tigers & Bears at high-profile donor, community, and industry events.

Team Leadership & Development Infrastructure

• Supervise, mentor, and support fundraising staff, consultants, and volunteers.
• Manage donor data systems, reporting processes, and CRM integrity.
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational messaging and mission impact.
• Engage and support the Board in fundraising through training, strategy, and active participation.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree a plus.
• Typically 5–8+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Demonstrate success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
• Show proven leadership and team management experience.
• Apply strong strategic planning, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Use fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and CRM systems effectively.
• Maintain a valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend off-site donor meetings, events, and organizational functions.

Core Competencies

• Communicate and build relationships at an executive level.
• Lead complex fundraising initiatives while managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.Collaborate effectively while maintaining a hands-on, results-driven leadership style.

Physical Demands

• Regular verbal communication
• Ability to stand, walk, squat, and reach
• Frequent use of hands for handling materials and equipment
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Lions Tigers & Bears is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.