Development Director (on behalf of Walk San Francisco)

At Walk San Francisco, we believe when you walk out the door to go to work, to school, to the park – anywhere – you shouldn't be risking your life by simply crossing the street. But every day, an average of three people are hit while walking in San Francisco. Walk SF exists to change this. Every day, we push for solutions to make our streets dramatically safer for everyone, of every age and ability. We believe San Francisco can become the most pedestrian-friendly city in the nation. And when walking is truly safe and joyful for all, this will bring immense health, equity, economic, and environmental benefits to our city.

We’re looking for a new team member to help us with our lifesaving mission!

As Walk SF’s first Development Director, you’ll play a key role in reaching Walk SF’s fundraising goals by growing our individual giving program (major donors and memberships), securing corporate sponsorships, and winning foundation grants—together, these make up about 60% of our $1.2M budget.

You’ll enjoy this position if you’re someone who likes to develop and execute a solid fundraising plan, enjoys building relationships, and is excited to think strategically and creatively to help a small team do big things with fundraising. You’ll manage a Development & Events Manager to handle administrative tasks, giving you more time to cultivate donor relationships. This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Communications Director and Communications & Marketing Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual Giving (70%)

• Strategic Planning: Develop and oversee annual plans for major donors and membership programs. Collaborate across the organization to identify opportunities to engage new supporters and deepen existing relationships. Lead innovative approaches to increase giving, such as text-to-give campaigns.
• Donor Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors. Design and implement strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships that strengthen donor engagement with the organization.
• Donor Meetings and Events: Coordinate and participate in virtual and in-person donor meetings to build relationships and secure gifts. Prepare necessary materials for solicitation and ensure timely follow-up. Plan and execute donor-related events that inspire support.
• Networking: Attend occasional meetings and events to connect with existing donors and cultivate relationships with prospective major donors.
• Campaign Materials: Develop compelling campaign collateral and case statements to support fundraising efforts.
• Board Collaboration: Lead the Board’s Fundraising Committee, offering actionable insights and strategies. Serve as a resource for Board members involved in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Data Management: Oversee the organization’s use of Salesforce to track and analyze donor engagement. Work with a consultant as needed to develop dashboards and reports that enhance fundraising effectiveness.

Corporate and Event Sponsorships (10%)

Currently, corporate sponsorships and events bring in around 10% of Walk SF’s revenue.

• Develop a focused strategy for increasing corporate sponsorships.
• Lead and expand Walk SF’s corporate sponsor program. Update sponsorship materials, actively solicit new sponsors, and nurture relationships with contacts.
• Establish and oversee the fundraising goals for two major annual walking events, including securing event sponsorships. Supervise a part-time contractor responsible for managing these events.

Foundation and Grant Stewardship (10%)

Currently, foundation grants bring in around 10% of Walk SF’s revenue.

• Manage Relationships with Funders: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with foundation partners, ensuring consistent communication, updates on organizational impact, and recognition of their contributions.
• Grant Proposal Development: Project-manage the grant proposal submission process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding needs.
• Grant Reporting and Compliance: Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate and timely grant reports, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and organizational standards.
• Strategic Stewardship Planning: Develop and implement strategies for foundation stewardship, identifying opportunities for increased engagement and long-term support.

Supervision, Team, and Budget (10%)

• Manage and coach the Development & Events Manager
• Attend staff meetings, staff trainings, and team-building activities
• Oversee the budget related to individual and sponsorship revenue and expenses

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

While no single candidate will possess every qualification, our ideal candidate will bring many of the following skills, experiences, and attributes:

Required:

• 5-10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least 3 years managing individual giving programs or corporate sponsorships.
• Proven success in securing major gifts ($5,000+) and growing donor portfolios, with a strong understanding of donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Experience managing membership programs and developing comprehensive fundraising plans using diverse strategies.
• Strong communication skills for crafting compelling narratives and engaging donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with fundraising tools and CRMs to track and analyze donor data.
• Supervisory experience, including guiding junior staff on administrative and fundraising tasks.
• Collaborative approach to working within a small team to align fundraising strategies.
• Passion for advocacy, urban livability, or pedestrian safety.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with San Francisco’s donor landscape or urban-focused nonprofit work.
• Experience in events-based fundraising and securing corporate sponsorships.
• Innovative fundraising expertise, such as digital campaigns or peer-to-peer strategies.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

Walk SF operates on a hybrid schedule, working together Mondays and Wednesdays. Our office is in the Mission District, is ADA accessible, and close to transit and bike share. We are a flexible, family-friendly, collaborative workplace that makes time for team bonding and volunteer service.

Candidates must live in the San Francisco Bay Area and be legally authorized to work in the United States.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a salaried, non-exempt position, with a starting salary of $100,000-$125,00 based on experience. Benefits include three weeks of PTO, 10 national holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Sick time; medical benefits plus a wellness flex fund; professional development funding; and 403(b) match.

We are willing to consider a 32-hour work week for the right candidate.

HOW TO APPLY

CEA Recruiting is assisting Walk SF with this search. To be considered for the position, please use the link below to submit a resume, salary expectations, and thoughtful cover letter.

https://job.ceaconsulting.com/jobs/development-director-san-francisco-ca-107396

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply before the priority deadline of December 27th. The position will remain posted until filled. All applicants will be notified when the search has closed. You may contact search lead Tamara Evans tamara@ceaconsulting.com with questions, but to ensure your application is considered and you receive notifications about your status, please use only the application link to submit your materials.

MORE ABOUT US

Our staff is focused on making positive change in the world, honors and supports diversity in the workplace, and is committed to being intentionally inclusive in all our relationships.

Walk SF sees our work to contribute to ending systemic racism as ongoing, and our Board and staff identify and take meaningful actions internally and externally as an organization in support of this. We recognize that transportation policy can play a key role in creating a more equitable city and world.

Walk SF is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law in employment or service policies and practices. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Walk SF’s strategic plan commits our organization to determine our highest priority projects and campaigns through an equity lens. Walk SF focuses our program activities on communities and/or geographies where issues of equity are most at play. Crash data shows that San Francisco’s residents living in communities of concern suffer the most from traffic violence. These are communities with the most low-income people, immigrants, communities of color, seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Learn more about us at walksf.org, especially our blog and most recent impact report.