Education Fundraising Director - Donor Engagement

Santa Barbara Education Foundation; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Santa Barbara Education Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Director of Development to lead and grow the Foundation’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role builds a comprehensive, year‑round program to increase philanthropic investment in Santa Barbara’s public schools.

The Director will implement a disciplined development program, cultivate major donors, manage grants and corporate partnerships, and provide revenue forecasts and dashboards

Qualifications

• Strong fundraising strategy and development planning with clear goals.
• Proven major‑gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication for donor materials.
• Ability to build relationships with leadership, donors, funders, and boards.
• Sound project management, prioritization, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Experience establishing and managing CRM standards, pipelines, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the annual fundraising and development plan with the Executive Director.
• Lead donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across channels.
• Manage foundations, corporations, and major gifts with a multi‑year strategy.
• Oversee development operations, reporting, and budget alignment with leadership.
• Engage the Board and volunteers in fundraising activities and strategy.
• Own donor communications, case for support, and impact storytelling.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts

Donor communications

Relationship building

Project management

CRM management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Santa Barbara Education Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Director of Development to lead and grow the Foundation’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role builds a comprehensive, year‑round program to increase philanthropic investment in Santa Barbara’s public schools.

The Director will implement a disciplined development program, cultivate major donors, manage grants and corporate partnerships, and provide revenue forecasts and dashboards