Description
Position:Director of Development
Location: San Jose, CA-Hybrid Role; This position could also be based in Sonoma with one day per week on-site in the San Jose office and additional presence needed in San Jose for events.
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Status: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $130-150K/Annually
All interested applicants should visit https://www.cooksilverman.com/homefirst-director-of-development-opportunity-highlights to apply for this role.
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
OUR VALUES
- Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
- Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
- Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Development plays a key role in advancing the mission of HomeFirst by growing contributed revenue primarily through major donor engagement across Silicon Valley, South Bay, and Sonoma County. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role drives donor strategy, oversees annual campaigns, and manages two development team members.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The position reports to Chief Development Officer
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Portfolio Management
- Maintain and grow a portfolio of individual donors giving $2,500–$10,000. Conduct cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation strategies
- Engage Lapsed Donors
- Conduct prospect research
- Coordinate campaigns
- Strengthen donor pipeline
Community Engagement
- Represent HomeFirst in civic and professional spaces
- Support brand awareness
- Connect leadership with funding partners
- Coordinate volunteer and in-kind engagements
Corporate Giving & Sponsorships
- Lead corporate giving strategies, event sponsorships, six-figure revenue initiatives, partnership development, and benefit fulfillment
Management & Administration
- Develop fundraising strategy
- Manage two direct reports
- Maintain CRM data
- Create donor collateral
- Produce reports
- Collaborate cross-functionally
- Travel as needed
Professional Development & Internal Culture
- Participate in trainings
- Support fundraising best practices
- Foster internal culture of philanthropy
- Engage in committees
QUALITIES
- An entrepreneurial, initiative-taking fundraiser who builds strong, authentic relationships with donors and advances strategic philanthropic growth.
- A highly organized, data-informed professional with a strong sense of discretion, integrity, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- A collaborative and flexible problem-solver who engages donors, staff, and community partners with creativity, clarity, and a “can-do” mindset.
- A mission-driven leader who embodies HomeFirst’s values, is passionate about ending homelessness, and thrives in both independent and team-based environments.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; advanced certifications preferred
- 5 plus years of fundraising success with year-over-year revenue growth
- Experience with donor portfolios, strategic planning, and grassroots fundraising
- Strong communication, organization, and data analysis skills
- Bay Area travel required
- CRM experience preferred
