Save Mount Diablo Job Description – 2025 Development Director
Summary
Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo (SMD), a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization, with its headquarters in
Walnut Creek, California, is a nationally accredited land trust. SMD uses land acquisition, education, advocacy, and land
stewardship efforts to protect Mount Diablo and the mountain range that it is part of and sustained by, the Diablo Range.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, and collaborating closely together, the Development Director oversees
SMD’s comprehensive fundraising program (including major gifts and a capital campaign, appeals, planned giving,
fundraising events, sponsorships, donor stewardship, grants, membership, communications and marketing, and other
efforts) that supports the organization’s $4.5 + million operating budget. The Development Director oversees a
department with 7 staff, an outsourced grant writer, 1 or more interns, and fundraising consultants and vendors.
Job Description: Development Director
This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Executive Director. The Development Director and Executive
Director positively collaborate and support one another to further Save Mount Diablo’s fundraising goals.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Develop strategy and provide leadership for all annual fundraising initiatives, including direct response and online activities, corporate sponsorships, major events and event sponsorships (Moonlight on the Mountain gala,
Four Days Diablo, etc.), and grantsmanship.
Oversee, manage, and successful advance SMD’s major gift efforts including the $10 million Diablo Range
Campaign so that its critical fundraising goals are achieved.
Develop and engage board and leadership volunteers in fundraising identification, cultivation and solicitation
activities.
Manage a personal portfolio of donors and donor prospects.
Assist in the cultivation and solicitation of individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects. Develop
and engage board and other leadership volunteers in various aspects of fundraising.
Staff committees and task forces that support the development of the organization’s fundraising and leadership
capacity.
Identify and provide opportunities for donor/leadership engagement.
Meet corporate fundraising goals by developing and implementing a comprehensive and well-organized corporate
sponsorship program that attracts and retains key business partners while maintaining the integrity and autonomy
of the organization.
Grow and diversify SMD membership base through membership and other acquisition initiatives.
Ensure that efficient operational and data systems are in place to support the timely and accurate tracking and
execution of all fundraising activities.
Oversee and provide direction for the marketing and communications activities of SMD, including electronic and
print formats. Oversee maintenance of the website. Direct and oversee all social media efforts.
Partner with other departments to share information, develop integrated strategies and achieve clear
communication across the organization, particularly with SMD’s programmatic efforts.
Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation/coordination with accounting
Conduct performance analysis on all fundraising campaigns and activities.
Develop and meet department and event income/expense budget projections.
Manage and successfully oversee the development department and its staff, interns, consultants, and vendors.
Contribute a positive, can do, kind, respectful, and grateful leadership style with a growth mindset and focus as
the Development Director, being a member of the senior management team, helps set the tone and belief for the
organization.
Save Mount Diablo Job Description – 2025 Development Director
Represent SMD with external audiences.
Other tasks as requested by the Executive Director.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Development Director oversees a department of 7 staff (Development Director, Assistant Development Director,
Senior Communications Manager, Senior Development Associate & Event Manager, Database Coordinator, Event &
Communications Coordinator, and Communications Associate), an outsourced grant writer, 1 or more interns, fundraising
consultants (Diablo Range Campaign consultants), and vendors.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following experience, style, and qualifications.
5 or more years experience as a successful Development Director.
Overseeing and completing at least one multi-million dollar capital campaign.
Positive, can do, kind, respectful, and grateful leadership style with a growth mindset and focus.
Demonstrated experience being a good team player.
Strong networking and interpersonal, relationship building skills.
Public speaking skills.
Advanced writing and editing skills.
Demonstrated competency in budget creation and management and doing financial projections.
Successful track record in engaging, motivating and supporting both staff and volunteers in helping advance
fundraising goals.
Ability to analyze multiple data sets and situations for the purpose of determining effectiveness of fundraising
activities, identifying trends, and developing new strategies for future growth.
Ability to maintain a high degree of flexibility and creativity within a high-paced work environment.
Ability to successfully work with all types of peoples.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge CRM, and other applicable software programs.
Bachelor’s degree required and other applicable degrees and certifications (e.g., Certified Fundraising Executive)
helpful.
Essential Requirements
Daily access to a motor vehicle.
Possess a valid California driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a clean driving record.
Clean background check.
Physical Demands
The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and must occasionally lift
and/or move up to 25 pounds. Employee must be able to travel to external meetings and provide occasional physical setup
and breakdown of meetings/events. Employee must also be able to hike, occasionally in steep and/or rugged terrain and in
inclement weather. Must be willing to work after hours and on weekends occasionally.
Compensation Starting salary range from $100,000 to $120,000 based on Development Director experience.
Benefits Include Health, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan
To apply please send your:
Cover letter
Resume
List of 3 References
