The anticipated hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process. 

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director - Advancement, California is responsible for securing support from individuals and organizations for the Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA’s) mission in California. This position is responsible for meeting or exceeding annual fundraising targets in support of our two California campuses by raising operating and capital funds. The Director – Advancement, California is responsible for ensuring the financial success of The CIA at Copia’s public programs and special events through sponsorship from consumer-focused businesses. Additionally, the Director – Advancement, California plays a major role in planning and executing the Wine Hall of Fame and any additional events in support of the Greystone campus. This position is also responsible for Corporate Relations in stewarding the west coast engagement of national corporate donors, and will coordinate with the college’s Copia-based Director – Corporate Relations to network within the companies the college already works with in a foodservice marketing capacity, in order to access consumer marketing opportunities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet or exceed a $500,000 annual fundraising goal: increase funding for Thomas Keller Golf Classic (TKGC) by $100k; relaunch Wine Hall of Fame - $200k; Support Copia events with sponsors at goal of $75k; execute a fundraiser for Greystone at goal of $75k; other initiatives at a goal of $50k.
• Focus efforts on the engagement of individuals, organizations, corporation and/or foundations (within and beyond the Napa Valley) interested in sponsoring CIA events.
• Secure support from new donors/partners without restriction on location.
• Partner with the CIA team at Copia to leverage opportunities to work with current supporters to translate their engagement into support of CIA events.
• Build a robust pipeline of philanthropic donors, including identifying new prospects while ensuring current donors are as engaged as possible.
• Conduct ten to twelve (10-12) unique visits, conversations or introductions per month in addition to engaging prospects at special events.
• Develop relationships, maintain contact, and ready-for-ask foundations and local businesses in support of the college’s philanthropic mission.
• Provide support in the execution of The Thomas Keller Golf Classic as the primary on-the-ground owner, and focus on the growth of the event from leaning into individual engagement opportunities (beyond the event’s primarily foodservice oriented supporters).
• With the Vice President of Advancement, lead the effort to doubling the size of the TKGC.
• Lead an effort to secure sponsorships for events produced and hosted by CIA at Copia.
• Secure sponsorships and ticket sales for both the Wine Hall of Fame at Copia and an additional event supporting the campus at Greystone.
• Coordinate with the Alumni Office to support west coast engagement of CIA graduates.
• Act as representative in articulating and identifying opportunities for support that will further the objectives of colleagues in New York and Texas.
• Liaise with the Advancement Office in the areas of development operations, donor and gift acknowledgment, record-keeping, and reporting requirements.
• Provide clear communications and proposal development, event execution, and reporting and stewardship, working collaboratively, building strong relationships with:
  • Senior Advancement Officer – Corporate Relations (located at Hyde Park campus or remote), for coordination and collaboration on consumer corporate opportunities.
  • Senior Advancement Officer – Individual Giving (currently located at Hyde Park campus), for engagement of The Society of Fellows and oversight of the college’s Scholarship and Alumni programs.
  • Director - Special Events (currently located at the Hyde Park campus) pertaining to strategy and execution of The Thomas Keller Golf Classic.
  • Director, Corporate Relations (currently located at the Copia campus) for coordination on Copia-based foodservice conferences and programs.
• Build collaborative relationships with operational and academic leadership at the Greystone campus.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of experience in fundraising, sales, development, management or events or related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the northern California business and philanthropic community with some experience in food/wine/hospitality.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to be adaptable, dependable and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Must display a high level of energy and self-motivation.
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required.v Must have demonstrated ability in organizational, time management, problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to have an approach to problem solving that is highly collegial with a positive outlook and approach.
• Demonstrated experience and the ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with diverse clientele, including donors, Board members, senior management, faculty, and other staff using a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and discretion, with an emphasis on flexibility and professionalism.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment, and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of the team.
• Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with fund-raising database systems and MS Office suite products, i.e., Word, Excel, advanced skills in Power Point required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to travel due to business needs.
• Regular work requires a great deal of sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Must be available to work nights and weekends as required due to business needs.