Director of Development

Full-time

Description

People with disabilities people of color people in all protected classes and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US!

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC) we are committed to creating an equitable accessible and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below weve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include :

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g. large print Braille digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g. pinning participants)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials please e-mail : .

Please note : resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION :

Hybrid - In Office (California) / Telework

EMPLOYMENT STATUS : Regular Exempt

SALARY RANGE :

Band 13 ($98382.00 - $144062.00)

As part of our commitment to internal equity salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidates relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidates resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair consistent and aligned with organizational equity standards.

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

APPLICATION DEADLINE :

Open until filled. Applications should be received by December 12 2025 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends advances and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and this world people with disabilities are supported valued included in their communities afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities we must address discrimination in all its forms including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

Position Information

UNIT : Development

DEPARTMENT : Development

REPORTS TO : Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION : Hybrid

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Director of Development will lead and expand Disability Rights Californias (DRC) fundraising and donor engagement strategy to sustain and grow our mission-driven work. This role combines out-of-the-box strategic vision with hands-on implementation - building relationships with individual donors foundations and corporate partners while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and equity-centered leader who understands that fundraising is an act of social justice inspires innovative approaches to fundraising champions donor stewardship and proactively seeks out grant opportunities that align with DRCs strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational strategic goals and values.

Support our donors in achieving their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a strong relationship with Disability Rights California.

Generate new ideas to increase revenue and strengthen donor loyalty.

Report on program progress to Senior Leaders and the Board of Directors and act as staff support to DRCs volunteer Development Working Group.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

Cultivate and expand a diverse portfolio of long-term donors including individuals foundations and corporate partners.

Lead efforts in major gifts cultivation solicitation and stewardship.

Develop a management plan for donors and prospects with the intention to increase donor giving over time.

Design innovative campaigns for annual giving planned giving and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Ensure compliance with fundraising best practices ethical standards and donor restrictions.

Play a leadership role in DRCs annual Gala and fundraising events and activities.

Communications & Partnerships

Collaborate with the CEO communications team and other units to align storytelling marketing and fundraising strategies.

Ensure that messaging and donor engagement practices reflect disability justice principles and center lived experience.

Represent the organization externally to funders partners and the community.

Partner with aligned organizations to grow their capacity alongside DRC.

Research new grant opportunities to share with the appropriate staff.

Team Leadership

Supervise and mentor development staff consultants and interns.

Recruit train and support key volunteers to assist in advancement efforts.

Manage the development budget and fundraising systems (CRM donor database etc.).

Partner with CEO in developing and cultivating relationships with prospects.

Report regularly to the CEO and Board on fundraising progress and trends.

Skills

An enthusiastic leader capable of motivating people to reach a common goal. A leader who will make timely effective and ethical decisions.

Ability to develop deep relationships with strategic partners and donors.

Make direct face-to-face solicitations.

Giving and receiving feedback.

Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects.

Requirements

Minimum

Demonstrated commitment to disability rights and social justice.

Preferred

Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in strategic partnerships community engagement and / or nonprofit development with progressive leadership responsibilities.

Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for innovation and implement new initiatives successfully and expeditiously.

Experience with storytelling and communicating clearly in a compelling way to diverse audiences.

Ability to engage and leverage senior leaders and a Board of Directors in development initiatives.

Experience developing inclusive fundraising practices that engage donors as partners in systemic change.

Experience with project management and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced collaborative environment.

Familiarity with fundraising software (e.g. EveryAction Salesforce or similar).

Commitment to staying informed about trends in philanthropy and fundraising best practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work from office and telework position (Hybrid)

Virtual and in-person meetings / functions

Computer and phone usage

Reliable transportation to appointments and events

Lifting of pieces of equipment and materials under 10lbs

Occasional working of nights long hours and weekends

Salary Description

$98382.00 to $144 062.00

Required Experience :

Director

Key Skills

Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Yearly Salary Salary : 98382 - 144062