Development Director

Organizational Summary

The mission of the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is to uphold the humanity of immigrant communities in California by transforming systems to achieve racial, social, and economic justice. CIPC is a non-partisan, non-profit statewide organization engaging in advocacy, organizing, and strategic communications to uplift immigrant communities. CIPC was formed in 1996 in response to cuts and reforms to public benefits systems nationally that eliminated federal health and public benefits coverage for countless immigrants, identifying the need to uplift and empower a statewide voice on behalf of immigrants in California to counteract the devastating effects of federal policy.

Over the past 30 years, CIPC has led groundbreaking campaigns that have vastly expanded protections for California’s low-income immigrant populations, including but not limited to the Safe and Responsible Driver Act, the TRUST and TRUTH Acts, CA Values Act, E-Verify Bill, the Health for All campaign, California Earned Income Tax Credit, and One California, the largest investment in legal services protection in the country.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing CIPC’s comprehensive fundraising strategy in support of immigrant rights and community power. This role leads all fundraising efforts, including private and public grants, corporate philanthropy, individual giving, major gifts, and sponsorships, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.

Reporting to the DED and working in close partnership with the Executive Team, the Development Director is accountable for raising CIPC’s annual operating budget through a diversified and values-aligned development program. As CIPC continues to grow, this leader will play a critical role in strengthening existing revenue streams while identifying and cultivating new sources of funding that align with the organization’s mission and vision.

As a member of CIPC’s Management Team, the Development Director contributes to organizational leadership beyond fundraising, helping to build a workplace culture rooted in equity, collaboration, and shared purpose. This role is responsible for designing and implementing strategies that embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization, equipping staff, leadership, and Board members to see fundraising as a collective, mission-critical effort.

The Development Director provides leadership and mentorship to Development Associates and works collaboratively with the Executive Team to strengthen systems, practices, and capacity within the Development Department. This is an opportunity for an experienced development professional to bring strategic vision, relational leadership, and a deep commitment to immigrant justice to an organization making meaningful, lasting impact.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation

• Establish annual fundraising goals in partnership with the DED and Executive Director.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive and diversified annual development plan, including private and public grants, corporate philanthropy, individual giving, major gifts, digital fundraising, and sponsorships.
• Evaluate fundraising performance throughout the year and adjust strategies to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Conduct prospect research to identify and cultivate new institutional, corporate, and major gift funding opportunities.

Grant Development & Compliance

• Lead grant management, strategy, writing, submission, and reporting, with support from the Development team, program staff, and Executive Team members.
• Ensure program staff are informed of grant requirements, deliverables, and reporting timelines to support compliance and strong funder relationships.
• Support the programmatic and operations team with subgranting processes for regional and direct service partners, as needed.

Donor & Funder Relations

• Research, cultivate, steward, and grow individual donor and major gift portfolios.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with major donors, foundation officers, corporate partners, and other funding prospects through meetings, site visits, and written communications.
• Plan and execute sponsorship cultivation for conferences, regional trainings, and special events.
• Develop high-quality donor-facing materials that clearly communicate CIPC’s mission, vision, impact, and funding priorities.

Communications, Marketing & Events

• Lead digital fundraising strategy in collaboration with Communications staff.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create compelling multimedia and written resources in support of development efforts.
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor engagements, including logistics, budgeting, staffing, and vendor coordination.
• Oversee the management and regular updating of development and marketing materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with CIPC’s brand and messaging.

Systems, Data & Operations

• Oversee development operations, including accurate tracking of grants, individual giving, and donor engagement using CRM systems and other tracking tools.
• Ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective use of development systems to inform strategy and decision-making.

Leadership, Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor the Development team, including work planning, performance evaluation, professional development, and hiring support.
• Serve as an active member of the Management Team, contributing thought leadership to organizational strategy, cross-departmental collaboration, and the cultivation of a supportive, equitable work environment.
• Partner with program staff to design and implement fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities and specific programmatic initiatives.
• Represent CIPC at organizational functions, funder meetings, and relevant fundraising or association events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of ten years of experience in development and fundraising, with at least three of those years including experience working in a director role.
• Minimum of seven years of supervising experience.
• Demonstrated experience and track record in the nonprofit development space, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and stewardship.
• Proven track record of raising an annual operating budget of at least $5 million.
• Proven track record of successful event planning, especially fundraising events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing a team of development professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple projects, and prioritize well in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinking – Ability to understand the fundraising trends locally and nationally
• Experience fundraising for low-income communities of color preferred.
• Experience with and knowledge of computer operation; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), and CRM database applications.
• Special Requirements – occasional travel is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $135,000 - $165,00

Salary commensurate with experience. CIPC is a unionized workplace and is represented by Immigrant Advocates United-United Auto Workers. This position is not in the bargaining unit. CIPC provides a comprehensive benefits package to its employees:

• Paid medical, dental, vision insurance, and life insurance (100% of the full insurance premium for qualified employees and 75% of the premiums for their dependents)
• 3% contribution to 401 (k) retirement plan
• Commuter benefit or paid parking access
• Monthly reimbursement for cell and internet usage
• $1,500 professional development allowance
• Generous time off policy
  • Up to 26 paid holidays a year (includes summer and winter collective breaks)
  • Vacation: 1st year of service: 10 days, after completion of 1st year: 15 days, after completion of 4th year: 20 days)
  • 6 personal days per year

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Position is open until filled. Please send a cover letter and resume. We will only be able to respond to shortlisted candidates. Those candidates will be asked to submit 3 references.

The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CIPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability

• Paid medical, dental, vision insurance, and life insurance (100% of the full insurance premium for qualified employees and 75% of the premiums for their dependents)
• 3% contribution to 401 (k) retirement plan
• Commuter benefit or paid parking access
• Monthly reimbursement for cell and internet usage
• $1,500 professional development allowance
• Generous time off policy
  • Up to 26 paid holidays a year (includes summer and winter collective breaks)
  • Vacation: 1st year of service: 10 days, after completion of 1st year: 15 days, after completion of 4th year: 20 days)
  • 6 personal days per year