Director of Development

We are hiring a Director of Development, to work in concert with the VP of Philanthropy, driving fundraising for Sequoia Living’s Community Services Programs and Life Plan Communities (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), priorities, and opportunities. Fundraising responsibilities include identifying and cultivating a portfolio of 50-75 individuals for major gifts, managing annual appeals, helping design and implement donor recognition and cultivation events, and developing and evolving a planned giving program.

What You Will Do:

• Provide exceptional stewardship and responsive service to donors and prospective donors across all channels.
• Plan and execute donor and prospect cultivation and recognition activities and events, including annual major donor appreciation events.
• Present information on Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) to future Sequoia Living Life Plan Community residents at in-person events. Educate prospective donors and prepare customized charitable remainder trust (CRT) illustrations. Steward existing legacy donors and expand outreach to prospective estate gift donors.
• Administer and enliven Sequoia Living’s donor recognition program. Co-create informational materials and appeals. Identify, engage and solicit potential planned giving donors.
• Co-lead annual appeals, in partnership with the VP of Philanthropy. Oversee direct mail and email fundraising, including managing associated contractors and/or vendors. Track and analyze campaign performance; recommends and implements strategies for improvement.
• Maintain donor database, ensuring data accuracy, donor segmentation, and the accurate creation of appeals and funds and custom presentational reports. Manage donor tiers and major donor reclassifications. Engage database consultants as needed.
• Develop and manage online giving campaigns using donor platform tools.
• Conduct donor and prospect research; create and maintain a portfolio of 50-75 current and prospective major donors.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to maintain and refresh donor communications including reply devices, website giving pages, and planned giving materials.
• Engage vendors to develop meaningful donor recognition gifts.
• Other duties as required.

Why Work Here:

• $110,000 - $130,000/yr
• Employer-paid medical, dental & vision, 18 days PTO 8 holidays, 403(b) with employer contribution, tuition assistance, referral bonuses, employee discounts, and growth opportunities.

Who You Are:

You enjoy working with people and have exceptional interpersonal skills. You can use tact and courtesy in dealing with residents under sometimes trying conditions. You can show patience and understanding. You enjoy variety in your day and enjoy a fast-paced environment.

Significant knowledge of and experience in fundraising, specifically annual fund appeals. Demonstrated success with major gift fundraising and/or planned giving programs. Strategic and collaborative approach to development operations, with ability to contribute innovative ideas and process improvements. Experience working effectively on a small team while exercising independent judgment; ability to excel in a hybrid work environment.

Strong written and verbal communication and business writing skills in English. Strong interpersonal, public relations, and presentation skills to address a variety of audiences with strong relationship-building abilities across diverse stakeholders. Outstanding organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple fundraising initiatives simultaneously and meet competing deadlines with minimal supervision. Detail-oriented and strong prioritization and time management skills. Ability to act with patience, tact, and courtesy in dealing with residents, the public, and staff. Sensitivity to and understanding of issues related to aging and older adults.

Advanced skills with Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar CRM/database systems. Proficiency with online fundraising platforms like Fundraise Up and (email) marketing tools such as Canva. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge donor database is preferred. Physical skills and ability to perform work that requires standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Bachelor's degree required in English, Communications, or related field preferred. Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification or pursuing certification. 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, with demonstrated success in donor cultivation, appeals management, and database administration, preferably in the aging services sector. Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred. California driver license, proof of insurance, clean driving record, and ability to travel to multiple locations for donor relationship building, events, and outings.

Who We Are:

Founded in 1958, Sequoia Living is a Bay Area-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing older adults with stimulating, joyful living environments and services that support and enrich their lives. Throughout our six decades as a nonprofit serving Bay Area seniors, we’ve learned the importance of connection and collaboration when it comes to providing resources for healthy aging. From our Life Plan Community to safe affordable housing, engaging senior centers, and a purpose-filled volunteer program, we provide friendly environments where people can explore and discover what it means to grow stronger, wiser, and more joyful.

Sequoia Living is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sequoia Living will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we may consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.