Director of Development

EBL seeks a Development Director to work closely with the Executive Director, Board, and Fundraising and Marketing Committee to raise $3 million in contributed revenue over the next two fiscal years, and to build the relationships, systems, and philanthropic partnerships that will support EBL’s mission and growth for years to come. This is a remote position open to all U.S. candidates, but San Francisco Bay Area-based preferred, with regular in-person engagement expected with donors, board members, and community partners.

This highly external-facing role is responsible for building deep, long-term donor relationships and executing a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising strategy that ensures EBL's long-term financial health.

Success in this role includes:

• Raising $3M in contributed revenue over two fiscal years.
• Growing EBL's major donor pipeline and stewardship program.
• Expanding foundation and corporate partnerships.
• Building fundraising systems and donor engagement practices that support long-term growth.
• Increasing board engagement in fundraising.

Organizational Leadership

Set and align EBL's long-term fundraising vision and annual revenue goals as part of multi-year, donor-centered fundraising strategy that builds continuity, trust, and sustained community engagement while ensuring that programmatic commitments, legal requirements, and gift-related compliance standards are maintained.

Donor & Portfolio Management

Donor & Major Gifts

• Develop and lead EBL's Major Gifts program, including prospect identification and qualification, personalized cultivation, well-crafted solicitations, and disciplined stewardship.
• Maintain and develop portfolio of individual donors and prospects, with emphasis on cultivating mid-level and major donors, supporting the Executive Director in managing and stewarding high-priority donor relationships using nationally and globally connected philanthropic networks to expand prospect strategy.

Board Engagement

Support and guide board members in fundraising and ambassadorship; staff the Board Development Committee, and assist members with their donor relationships by creating talking points and tracking introductions.

Foundation Giving

Oversee the foundation and institutional giving programs, which includes researching new foundation partnerships, maintaining the grants calendar, overseeing strategy, proposal development, deliverables, and budget creation, and cultivating strategic relationships with foundation staff.

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

Build and grow a corporate revenue and sponsorship program from the ground up, identifying aligned partners and developing engagement strategies that boost brand visibility.

Community Representation

Act as a visible ambassador for the organization at Bay Area community events, donor gatherings, and public-facing activities.

Communications & Donor Acquisition

Lead EBL's efforts to grow its donor base and deepen engagement through compelling communications and targeted acquisition strategies, such as social media channels, direct mail or email campaigns, appeal letters and impact reports.

Events & Engagement

Lead strategy and execution for fundraising events, ensuring strong ROI and an exceptional donor experience and represent EBL at community and donor events throughout the Bay Area.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5+ years of fundraising experience, including experience leading major gifts, institutional giving, or development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience asking for and closing major gifts.
• Track record of building and maintaining long-term relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Experience planning and managing budgetary responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success securing foundation and institutional funding.
• Comfort working in a small, informal, and/or nonprofit environment.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire philanthropy through authentic engagement.
• Existing relationships with Bay Area foundations or individual donors in the environmental or social justice space.
• Familiarity with advanced gift planning concepts and planned giving vehicles.
• Experience with digital fundraising, direct mail, and current trends in major gifts solicitation.
• Knowledge of nonprofit management best practices.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience a plus.

Fluency in English.