Development Director (Full-Time)

AbilityFirst•Pasadena, CA

4d•$120,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AbilityFirst seeks a Development Director to turn fundraising strategy into consistent, measurable results in partnership with the Chief Development Officer (CDO). The Director owns signature fundraising events and sponsorships, leads corporate partnership strategy, oversees annual giving and donor data, and supports major and planned giving. The role leads a team of three, including two direct reports, and manages day-to-day department operations. This is a hybrid position based in Fair Oaks, Pasadena, California, with regular travel to centers, event venues, and donor and sponsor meetings. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; evenings and weekends are required around events. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and exempt. A cover letter and portfolio are required in addition to a resume. The role is not designated as a driver position, though the qualifications require a valid California driver's license and clean driving record. AbilityFirst helps individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best by focusing on capabilities and expanding possibilities. The Development Director serves as a visible ambassador for the organization and upholds ethical fundraising practices and donor confidentiality. Candidates selected must complete a TB test, Live Scan fingerprinting/background check, drug screening, required vaccinations (Hepatitis B, TDaP, and MMR), and physical/fitness-for-duty clearance. The position is subject to mandated reporter requirements. Employees working in day care facilities must meet the stated vaccination requirements, including annual flu vaccination or completion of the Employee Certification of Declining Vaccination. All staff are introductory employees for their first three months, a period that AbilityFirst may extend. Employment is at-will, and completion of the introductory period does not change that status. AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants with criminal histories consistently with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Applicants should include references in their application.

Requirements

At least 7 years of progressive nonprofit development experience, including at least 3 years supervising staff.
Demonstrated success leading fundraising events end to end, including sponsorship acquisition and volunteer committee leadership.
Track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Experience managing annual giving and direct mail programs; working knowledge of planned giving.
Proficiency with a donor CRM; Salesforce is preferred.
Comfort using data to guide fundraising decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong judgment and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining donor confidentiality.
Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.
Submit a cover letter and portfolio in addition to a resume.
Complete required pre-employment TB test, Live Scan fingerprinting/background check, drug screening, vaccinations, and physical/fitness-for-duty clearance.
Comply with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
Provide references in the application.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible development experience.
Experience working with boards and volunteer committees.
CFRE certification.
Experience partnering with a CDO or executive on major-gift strategy.
Experience building corporate partnership programs, including sponsorships, cause marketing, and employee engagement.
Marketing or communications experience, including donor-facing content and brand consistency.

Responsibilities

Lead signature fundraising events, setting strategy, revenue goals, and success metrics, and build the annual events calendar with the CDO.
Own sponsorship strategy and revenue across events; personally cultivate and secure lead sponsors and guide staff on exhibitor, corporate, and in-kind partnerships.
Lead event steering committees by setting agendas, driving decisions, and keeping volunteers engaged and accountable.
Manage event budgets and vendor contracts in coordination with Finance.
Partner with the Grant Writer on a proactive corporate engagement strategy spanning sponsorships, grants, employee volunteering, and other partnership opportunities.
Identify and cultivate new corporate partners and develop coordinated outreach and stewardship plans to grow multi-year relationships.
Work with the Senior Volunteer Coordinator to create corporate volunteer opportunities that support engagement and revenue goals.
Partner with the CDO on major gifts by preparing donor briefings and moves-management plans, identifying and qualifying prospects, and representing the department at cultivation and stewardship meetings.
Support the CDO in building a planned giving pipeline from existing donors.
Oversee annual giving and direct mail with Marketing, from segmentation and messaging through results analysis.
Review donor-facing communications for accuracy, tone, and alignment with development strategy.
Ensure timely donor acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship at every giving level.
Use Salesforce reporting and donor data to identify trends, segments, and pipeline gaps, and turn findings into recommendations for the CDO and team.
Oversee gift processing, acknowledgments, reporting, and database integrity, supervising the Donor Engagement Specialist's work in these areas.
Supervise, coach, and manage the performance of the Associate Director of Development and Donor Engagement Specialist.
Manage day-to-day department operations.
Partner with the CDO on annual budgets for events, annual giving, and corporate partnerships, and monitor revenue and expenses throughout the year.
Uphold ethical fundraising practices and donor confidentiality across the department.
Serve as a visible ambassador for AbilityFirst at community and sector events.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support AbilityFirst's mission and strategic priorities.