Director of Development

Resource Area for Teaching; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

RAFT seeks a Director of Development to lead and grow a fundraising program generating more than $2 million annually. Based in San Jose, CA, this role reports to the CEO and collaborates with the Board to expand donor engagement and partnerships.

You will develop strategy, secure six-figure gifts, and guide a high-performing team to diversify revenue through grants, corporate sponsorships, events, and campaigns.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience.
• Proven track record managing multimillion-dollar programs and goals.
• Experience securing six-figure gifts and multi-year commitments.
• Strong background in corporate partnerships and foundations.
• Ability to lead teams and collaborate with executives and boards.
• Excellent communication, planning, and donor relationship skills.
• CFRE is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue targets.
• Cultivate and steward high-value donor relationships, focusing on six-figure gifts.
• Expand sponsorships, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Grow revenue across individual giving, grants, events, and campaigns.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing Development team and collaborate with leadership.
• Strengthen donor engagement and diversify funding streams.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts

Donor cultivation

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Corporate partnerships

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE certification

Job description

Lead Fundraising. Build Partnerships. Make an Impact.

Are you a strategic fundraising leader who knows how to turn relationships into meaningful, lasting impact?

RAFT is seeking an accomplished Director of Development to lead and grow a fundraising program generating more than $2 million annually. This is an exciting opportunity to shape fundraising strategy, expand philanthropic partnerships, and help advance hands-on STEAM education for students and educators.

As a key member of our executive leadership team, you'll work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and a talented Development team to strengthen donor engagement, diversify revenue, and drive sustainable organizational growth.

This role is based in San Jose, CA and requires regular on-site work (minimum 3-4 days per week).

What You'll Do

• Lead Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to achieve ambitious annual revenue goals and expand philanthropic support.


• Secure Major Gifts: Cultivate and steward high-value donor relationships, with a focus on securing six-figure gifts and multi-year commitments.


• Expand Corporate Partnerships: Build strategic relationships with corporations, foundations, and community partners to increase sponsorships, grants, and employee engagement opportunities.


• Drive Revenue Growth: Strengthen fundraising efforts across individual giving, major gifts, institutional grants, events, and campaigns.


• Lead and Inspire: Manage and develop a high-performing Development team while collaborating with executive leadership and Board members.


• Strengthen Donor Engagement: Build a robust donor pipeline, improve retention, and create meaningful opportunities for long-term philanthropic investment.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, preferably in nonprofit leadership.


• Demonstrated success managing multimillion-dollar fundraising programs, ideally with annual revenue goals of $2 million or more.


• Proven track record of securing six-figure gifts, including major gifts and multi-year commitments.


• Strong experience in corporate partnerships, institutional giving, donor cultivation, and stewardship.


• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build relationships, and collaborate with executive leadership and Boards.


• Exceptional communication, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills.


• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. CFRE certification is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

RAFT offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• Performance-Based Bonus: Eligible for an annual performance-based bonus tied to fundraising achievements and organizational goals.


• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Why RAFT?

At RAFT, we believe hands-on learning has the power to inspire creativity, curiosity, and opportunity.

As our Director of Development, you'll play a critical leadership role in expanding the resources and partnerships that make this work possible. You'll have the opportunity to shape fundraising strategy, build meaningful relationships, and directly influence the organization's long-term impact.

If you're a results-driven fundraising leader who is passionate about education, building partnerships, and creating lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you!

Visit us at www.RAFT.net to learn more about us.

RAFT is an equal opportunity employer.