Director of Development, American India Foundation

Position Title: Director of Development, West Coast 

Reports to: Chief Development and Marketing Officer, West Coast

Position: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Remote, San Francisco, or San Francisco Metropolitan Area. Required to be based in the Bay Area to attend donor meetings and events regularly. 

Salary: $135,000 - 145,000 plus excellent benefits

About American India Foundation

The American India Foundation (AIF) is a secular, purpose-driven organization dedicated to driving social change in India and strengthening the connection between the civil societies of the United States and India. AIF engages central and state governments, NGO partners, local communities, civil society, and technical experts to create systemic solutions for the most vulnerable communities. With a focus on poverty alleviation and gender equity, AIF has significantly impacted maternal and neonatal health, education, and livelihoods. Its fellowship program cultivates the next generation of social leaders, fostering leadership in thought and action. AIF has positively impacted nearly 16 million lives across 36 states and union territories in India. Guided by the values of transparency, secularism, and nonpartisanship, AIF is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and opportunity for marginalized communities.

The Opportunity

The Director of Development, West Coast at the American India Foundation (AIF) is a key leadership role, responsible for representing the organization across the Western region, including the Bay Area, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Seattle. This experienced fundraiser and thought leader will play a critical role in advancing AIF’s mission by engaging a wide range of stakeholders, from major donors to corporate and foundation partners.

Key responsibilities include overseeing a team of two—a Major Gifts Officer and a Senior Manager of Outreach & Events—and expanding the current $7 million portfolio by securing funding from individuals, institutions, and events. The role requires a skilled communicator capable of representing AIF in the media, on panels, and in other public forums. Additionally, the Director of Development will collaborate closely with the California Board of Directors to leverage their influence and support for the organization’s strategic objectives.

Reporting to the Chief Development & Marketing Officer (CDMO), this position seeks a professional who is passionate about addressing the needs in India and can inspire others to contribute to the cause. Building strong relationships and excelling at closing deals are essential skills for success in this role.

Responsibilities

Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships (60%)

• Partner with the CDMO to create a fundraising strategy to meet the $7M target for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Collaborate with the Board to plan and execute fundraising events, including the Bay Area gala.
• Engage major donors and expand the donor base, especially on the West Coast.
• Build relationships with corporate partners to increase fundraising from corporate donors.
• Write corporate and foundation requests, sponsorship proposals, and reports in coordination with program teams in India.
• Manage the donor lifecycle through moves management, working with staff and volunteers.

Regional Board & Chapter Development (15%)

• Recruit new members for all-volunteer bodies across the West Coast.
• Lead communications with the regional Board, providing monthly updates and ensuring engagement.
• Provide training and support to Board members to serve as AIF ambassadors.
• Oversee committees such as Gala, Corporate Development, and Major Donors.

Finance & Administration (15%)

• Contribute to budget planning and quarterly financial reviews.
• Ensure timely collection and accurate reporting of all revenue.
• Supervise the Major Gifts Officer and Senior Manager of Outreach and Events, supporting staff hiring, training, and retention.
• Coordinate with program and finance teams on administrative tasks.

External Relations (10%)

• Represent AIF at donor meetings, media engagements, conferences, and panels.
• Build relationships with key philanthropic, academic, and press sectors to enhance AIF’s brand and fundraising efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise

• Deep commitment to eradicating poverty in India and alignment with AIF’s mission.
• Strong interpersonal, management, and customer relations skills to engage with diverse personalities and situations.
• 10+ years of experience in fundraising/business development, preferably in nonprofit or related fields.
• Strategic thinker with a growth mindset and a vision for capacity building and sustainability.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative approach to management, with high energy and commitment to excellence.
• Understanding of national and international development issues, with a belief in partnership principles.
• Strong organizational and program management skills.
• Flexible and adaptable in dynamic environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising standards and practices.
• Proven experience working with board members, donors, and community members.
• Demonstrated success in securing gifts of $500,000+.
• Bachelor’s Degree (required), Master’s Degree (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM for fundraising.

Benefits

American India Foundation offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, along with opportunities to learn all aspects of a nonprofit organization:

• 100% AIF-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (standard plan).
• AIF-paid 403(b) retirement plan.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• AIF-paid life insurance.
• Paid maternity leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Professional growth opportunities within the nonprofit sector.

The American India Foundation has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Sonia Sheechoria at sonia@charitysearchgroup.com or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

The American India Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels of the organization. We recognize the importance of not viewing individuals based on a single identity, and we thrive on being equitable in our recruitment process as well as in our efforts to be inclusive of all employees.