WHAT YOU'LL DO

Summer Search Bay Area is seeking a creative and strategic development leader to join our senior leadership team. In close partnership with Summer Search Bay Area’s Executive Director and the National Chief Advancement Officer, this position will steward and grow our base of individual and institutional funders to deepen our impact in the region and serve more young leaders of today and tomorrow. In addition, the Sr. Director of Development will oversee a five-person development team, working collaboratively to achieve fundraising & brand-building goals and ensure excellent development operations. Specifically, the Senior Director of Development will:

Design, implement, and lead fundraising strategies that drive growth and sustainability

Oversee a strong development function to advance regional goals to 1) raise $4.2M in FY25 and position the organization for year-over-year growth, 2) steward and increase support from existing supporters, and 3) identify and pursue new supporters that are aligned with Summer Search’s values and mission.

In close partnership with the Executive Director and the Bay Area development team, lead and/or guide strategies for individual donors (major gifts, mid-level donors, and annual) and institutional partnerships (foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, earned-income partnerships, and government grants), ensuring high levels of donor engagement, stewardship, and retention.

Personally manage a portfolio comprised of board members & prospects and close-in major donors, leveraging staff and Board leadership to solicit and steward towards sustained and increasing investment.

Play a highly visible role with the 25+ members of the Bay Area Board of Directors, working with the group to promote a culture of philanthropy and offering proactive support and guidance for their development activities, including serving as the staff liaison to the Board’s Development & Nominating Committee.

Serve as the strategic lead for the Bay Area signature fundraising event and other development events, with contractor support for project management and event logistics.

Oversee the smooth operations of the development department, inclusive of consistent processes for donor data and moves management, pipeline development, and data tracking and analysis against fundraising goals.

Participate in a cohort of national and regional development peers to support key network-wide partnerships and leverage best practices across the Summer Search network.

Represent Summer Search at key networking opportunities and community events with external stakeholders.

Serve as a senior leader, people manager, and champion for Summer Search's mission and values

As a member of the Bay Area leadership team, contribute to guiding overall organizational strategic direction, decision-making, prioritization, and goals.

Manage, coach, and mentor a five-person development team, including identifying the roles and reporting structures that will support achieving regional fundraising and brand-building goals.

Cultivate a sustainable, people-centered, critically conscious team culture through personal reflection and work, development of values-driven systems and processes, and coaching and development of staff. 

Operate with an abundance of Summer Search's foundational competencies: social and emotional intelligence, critical consciousness, cultural humility, continuous learning, and accountability.

Actively work to infuse anti-racism into day-to-day work, including participating in staff and board learning about racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ensure asset-based positioning of Summer Search participants, families, and communities in all donor-facing communication and interactions.

Apply Today!