Director of Foundation Relations and Advancement

Spirit League; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit League seeks a Director of Foundation Relations and Advancement to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the Foundation’s priorities and district goals. The role will build donor pipelines, manage partnerships, oversee donor databases, and align fund development with organizational aims.

The position requires flexibility for evening and weekend donor events and board meetings, with a focus on achieving long-term operational self-sufficiency.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record in major gifts and annual giving.
• Ability to design and implement donor pipelines and cultivation plans.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across diverse groups.
• CFRE credential preferred or equivalent fundraising leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive annual fund development plan.
• Build and manage donor pipelines, cultivation plans, and stewardship timelines.
• Lead partnerships with educational, civic, and community organizations.
• Oversee donor databases and reporting to align with district goals.
• Support visibility and engagement activities, including events and board initiatives.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising strategy

Partnership development

Board engagement

Donor database management

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Director of Foundation Relations and Advancement develops, leads, and manages a comprehensive advancement strategy to support the Foundation’s adopted strategic priorities and drive long-term operational self-sufficiency. The position exercises significant independent judgment as an individual contributor to build donor pipelines, manage community and corporate partnerships, oversee board advancement structures, direct donor databases, and align fund development with District goals.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (E=Essential)

• Design, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive annual fund development plan tied to adopted strategic priorities and the operational self-sufficiency goal; lead major gifts, annual giving, donor-advised funds, corporate partnerships, alumni giving, employee giving, sponsorships, grants, planned giving, endowment growth, and stewardship programs. (E)
• Establish and manage a complete pipeline system, including prospect research, donor segmentation, cultivation plans, solicitation strategies, stewardship timelines, and progress reporting; create donor-facing cases for support tied to approved priorities. (E)
• Implement the Foundation’s adopted strategic plan and annual action plan, ensuring all fundable initiatives align with the four approved pillars and clear a formal alignment process prior to launch. (E)
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with higher education institutions, civic leaders, workforce development partners, alumni groups, business partners, and foundation stakeholders. (E)
• Support Foundation visibility and strategic engagement specifically connected to the State of the District and designated District events without holding full operational or logistical ownership of district-wide events. (E)

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Driver’s License.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
• Flexible schedule requiring evening and weekend availability for donor events, Board meetings, school functions, and community activities.