Director of Development

HUMANE SOCIETY OF VENTURA COUNTY•Ojai, CA

About The Position

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives of the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC). This senior role is responsible for planning, managing, and growing a comprehensive development program that includes a major gifts portfolio, annual giving, planned giving, capital and transformational campaign efforts, and special events. The Director works in close partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that advances HSVC's lifesaving mission and secures the organization's long-term financial health.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; CFRE designation or equivalent advanced credential a plus.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressive professional fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of personally securing major gifts and leading successful large-scale fundraising efforts, including annual fund campaigns and comprehensive capital campaigns.
Proven success cultivating and closing gifts at the, six-, and seven-figure level.
Deep knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices, with particular expertise in major gift strategy and donor-centered relationship management.
Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to motivate and collaborate with staff, Board members, volunteers, and community partners.
A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset. A self-starter who is goal-oriented and energized by building relationships outside the office.
Strong organizational skills with meticulous follow-through on tasks, timelines, and donor commitments.
Positive, mission-driven attitude with genuine concern for animal welfare, community impact, and the people HSVC serves.
Ability to write, edit, and oversee the production of development and marketing content including newsletters, social media posts, emails, and related collateral
Professional presence, self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and excellent listening skills.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a development team, setting clear expectations, fostering professional growth, and creating a collaborative, accountable, and mission-aligned work culture.
Proficiency with fundraising database platforms (Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, or equivalent) and standard office software.

Responsibilities

Actively build and steward a portfolio of major donors, regularly meeting with prospects and supporters to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with HSVC.
Lead all phases of major gift fundraising: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with a proven ability to close significant gifts that meaningfully advance organizational priorities.
Develop and grow a planned giving program with emphasis on deferred gift instruments such as charitable bequests, trusts, and beneficiary designations.
Maintain and enhance stewardship programs to honor donors at all levels and strengthen long-term commitment to HSVC.
Grow a robust annual fund program, including multi-channel appeals, direct mail, online campaigns, monthly sustainer and year-end giving drives designed to maximize donor participation and revenue.
Provide strategic direction and project management for capital campaigns and other comprehensive fundraising initiatives, guiding efforts from feasibility through securing major gifts and successful conclusion.
Oversee all prospect research activities to identify, qualify, and prioritize new donor opportunities across individual, corporate, and foundation giving channels.
Direct and lead the fundraising staff, setting clear priorities, driving cohesive strategy, and holding the team accountable for meeting development goals.
Oversee fundraising special events that engage the community, elevate HSVC's visibility, and generate meaningful contributed revenue.
Represent HSVC through public appearances and speaking engagements, effectively communicating the organization's mission, impact, and needs to diverse audiences.
Lead community engagement efforts across Ventura County, including building and maintaining relationships with local businesses, corporate partners, and civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Lead participation in community events, networking functions, and civic initiatives — both revenue and non-revenue producing — that broaden HSVC's presence and goodwill, positioning the organization as a valued community partner.
Work closely with the HSVC’s Executive Director and Board of Directors on all fundraising strategy, goal-setting, and reporting; staff Board Development Committee meetings as needed.
Support and assist employee giving drives and internal fundraising initiatives.
Oversee the fundraising database and CRM systems to ensure data integrity, accurate gift processing, and timely acknowledgments.
Maintain quality across integrated systems and run advanced CRM and donation processor reports to support forecasting, donor analysis, and organizational decision-making.
Demonstrate professional conduct at all times and serve as an ambassador for HSVC's values and mission.
Perform other related duties as assigned.