Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location/Site: Whittier, CA / Administrative Office

Company Overview

The Boys & Girls Club of Whittier, California, is a vibrant and dedicated nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of young people in our community. Established with a mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens, our Club has been a cornerstone of support and growth for the youth of Whittier for over 55 years.

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising and resource development strategy to advance the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier. This position provides strategic vision and leadership for all fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and special events. The CDO will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and key community stakeholders to build and sustain strong relationships that support long-term organizational growth and sustainability.

KEY ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

1. Provide strategic direction and oversight of all development functions to ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
2. Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall organizational strategy and decision-making.
3. Supervise and mentor development staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Strategic Planning

1. Develop, implement, and monitor a multi-year strategic fundraising plan that diversifies revenue streams and increases philanthropic support.
2. Identify and evaluate fundraising opportunities to maximize donor engagement and revenue potential.
3. Establish measurable goals and metrics for fundraising performance and regularly report outcomes to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Resource Development

1. Lead all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, special events, and corporate partnerships.
2. Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
3. Collaborate with the Board of Directors and key volunteers to engage them effectively in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.

Resource Management

1. Oversee the preparation and management of the development department budget.
2. Ensure accurate record keeping and data management of donor information using the organization’s donor database.
3. Ensure all fundraising activities comply with ethical standards, policies, and applicable laws.

Partnership Development

1. Build and maintain strategic alliances with community leaders, corporations, foundations, and other nonprofits to strengthen the Club’s presence and support base.
2. Represent the organization in community events, public engagements, and partnership meetings.

Marketing and Public Relations

1. Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling messages and materials that enhance donor engagement and visibility.
2. Promote the Club’s programs, services, and impact through consistent and effective storytelling.

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Maintain close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, senior leadership, and staff across departments to align development goals with organizational priorities.

External: Engage with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners to build long-term, meaningful relationships that strengthen financial support for the Club.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in development or fundraising leadership, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Proven track record in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with experience developing and executing fundraising plans.
• Experience with donor database systems and fundraising software.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams and volunteers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written form.
• Occasional travel required for meetings, donor visits, and events.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.