Director, Development & Communications

California Food Banks™; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 107,547 - 126,354; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans

Retirement program with employer contribution

PTO

Job summary

California Food Banks™ is seeking a dedicated leader to advance integrated fundraising and communications strategies. This critical role connects our mission with vital stakeholders, ensuring every communication reflects our values and demonstrates our impact.

The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and exceptional skills in fundraising and relationship management.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, communications, or external affairs.
• Strong experience with development operations, including donor pipelines and prospect research.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and relationship-based philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP of External Affairs to implement a comprehensive strategy.
• Lead and grow a diversified fundraising program.
• Provide strategic direction on external communications.

Skills

Nonprofit development

Strategic communications

Fundraising

Relationship building

Copywriting

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs, this role leads integrated fundraising and communications strategies that strengthen relationships, elevate our mission, and support the long-term growth needed to serve our member food banks.

This position is central to connecting our mission with donors, members, and the broader community—ensuring every external touchpoint reflects our values, demonstrates our impact, and advances our shared commitment to ending hunger in California.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

• Partner with the Vice President of External Affairs to shape and implement a comprehensive development and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a thought partner on donor engagement, storytelling, and external positioning.
• Establish and track performance metrics to strengthen impact, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Supervise and support one direct report and consultant, fostering professional growth, accountability, and a collaborative cross-functional team.
• Manage departmental budget and resources responsibly and transparently.
• Provide regular reports for the VP External Affairs, Leadership Team and Board.

Development & Fundraising

• Lead and grow a diversified fundraising program, including individual giving, foundation, corporate partnerships, and special events.
• Build authentic, long-term relationships with donors and partners, centering stewardship, and shared commitment to mission.
• Oversee grant development, ensuring strong alignment with the organization goals, funding opportunities, and timely/accurate reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit fundraising standards and ethical practices.
• Oversee development systems, including CRM, Salesforce and reporting tools, ensuring data integrity and donor stewardship.
• Manage and ensure accuracy of the donor database (Salesforce) and tracking of communications across the External Affairs Team.

Communications

• Provide strategic direction on external communications, including donor updates, newsletters, and digital content.
• Facilitate the creation of professional materials consistent with our branding, messaging, and voice across all platforms (e.g. website, Annual Report, promotional materials, social media).
• Ensure ethical and strength-based storytelling practices are upheld across communications.
• Create compelling written content including presentations, blogs, speeches, and other materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or a related field
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, communications, or external affairs.
• Strong experience with development operations, including donor pipelines, prospect research, moves management, CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), and data tracking.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and relationship-based philanthropy.
• Strong experience in strategic communications, storytelling, and brand management.
• Required experience with copywriting, including writing press releases, blogs, and donor and digital communications.
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage and develop staff.

Compensation

Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted annual salary range that CAFB expects to pay for this position is $107,547.67 - $126,354.20

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including generous employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans; retirement program with employer contribution; life insurance; PTO, and more.