Chief Development Officer at Vivalon
San Rafael, California, United States -
Full Time


Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 Mar, 26

Salary

220000.0

Posted On

31 Dec, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

No

Skills

Fundraising Strategy, Team Leadership, Communication Skills, Relationship Building, Financial Analysis, Data Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Donor Engagement, Stewardship, Brand Strategy, Philanthropic Engagement, Operational Excellence, Collaboration, Innovation, Coaching, Storytelling

Industry

Civic and Social Organizations

Description
Description Vivalon is a mission-driven Marin nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized ten times as a Best Place to Work in the North Bay, we are proud to foster a compassionate, innovative, and supportive workplace culture. As a $20 million organization and the largest nonprofit in Marin County supporting older adults and people with disabilities, we help people stay active, nourished, connected, and supported — while ensuring access to essential transportation. Our core services include Rides, Meals, Classes, Care, and Advice. Vivalon is at a pivotal moment that requires a philanthropy-focused financial turnaround. With our transformative new Healthy Aging Campus now open, the community's needs far exceeding current capacity, and philanthropy being the decisive factor in what is possible next, this is a rare opportunity to help lead both stability and expansion. Philanthropy isn’t supporting the strategy — it is the strategy. To drive this work, we are seeking a bold, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer who is inspired by urgency, relevance, and measurable results. You will partner closely with a CEO who is a strong closer — an experienced public speaker and relationship builder who has personally secured dozens of six-figure gifts. This is a leadership partnership built for acceleration and success. Essential Functions Comprehensive Fundraising & Marketing Strategy Design and lead an ambitious multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growth Strengthen and innovate all donor channels — major gifts, corporate, foundation, digital, and community giving Drive external visibility and demand through compelling marketing and communications that amplify impact and scale Partner with a fundraising-forward CEO to cultivate and close high-value donor relationships Represent Vivalon as a compelling storyteller, community ambassador, and strategic ally to partners and funders Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy Help lead Vivalon’s marketing staff to: Create a bold brand and marketing strategy that significantly expands Vivalon’s visibility and reputation Ensure clear, cohesive messaging across fundraising, programs, media, and events Strengthen digital presence, storytelling, and content that drive donor engagement and community activation Use analytics to prioritize investment and maximize marketing ROI Position Vivalon as a trusted leader in the fields of healthy aging, social connection, and supporting adults with disabilities across the region Executive Leadership Planning & Strategy Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic priorities and long-term vision Build alignment and philanthropic engagement throughout the organization Provide strategic guidance and fundraising insights to the CEO and Board Define and lead Board fundraising expectations, building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed for meaningful philanthropic engagement Champion a culture of philanthropic ownership across leadership and staff Team Management & Mentorship Lead and grow a high-performing development and marketing team Foster collaboration, innovation, learning, and shared accountability Ensure operational structure and coaching that enable team success Donor-Centered Strategy Advance a relationship-first philosophy that builds long-term donor trust and investment Create comprehensive stewardship approaches that celebrate impact Strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure Board members are confident and engaged fundraising partners Support the Board with clear expectations, tools, and coaching to increase year-over-year philanthropic participation Systems & Infrastructure Maintain strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and analytics Utilize technology that enhances donor experience and operational excellence Manage budgets aligned with revenue strategy and organizational priorities Share clear data and forecasting updates with the Executive Team and Board leadership Performance Expectations Drive an ambitious multi-year revenue acceleration, including doubling annual contributed revenue from approximately $2M in FY25 to $4M within four years Other specific targets will be determined collaboratively with the CDO based on opportunity and data. Requirements Requirements Demonstrated success in building and leading multi-year fundraising strategies, especially major gifts Proven leadership of high-performing teams and strong organizational culture influence Skill and excitement in periods of growth, evolution, and transformation Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills Strong financial and data analysis abilities Salesforce NPSP experience strongly preferred Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred Minimum 12 years in nonprofit fundraising, including 7+ years leading high-performing development teams and achieving comparable revenue targets Compensation & Benefits Expected first-year compensation of $203,500–$220,000, consisting of a base salary of $185,000–$200,000 and a 10% retention bonus at the one anniversary date: commensurate with experience and qualifications. Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance 403(b) retirement plan Generous PTO, paid holidays, and professional development A mission-driven culture where joyful service and courageous leadership thrive Work Environment & Location Based at Vivalon’s two San Rafael offices: our administrative office at 930 Tamalpais and the newly opened Healthy Aging Campus at 999 3rd Street Hybrid flexibility is available following a successful ramp-up period Typical schedule includes 1–2 days per week, remote once internal and donor relationships are established Local travel throughout Marin County and the Bay Area is required for donor engagement Why This Role & Why Now Shape the philanthropic future of a beloved community institution at a moment of high importance Partner with a CEO who is an active, skilled, and influential fundraiser Lead the development and marketing engines that will fuel stability and bold expansion Help transform Vivalon into a premier healthy-aging nonprofit known for impact and connection This role is not about maintenance. It is about building something remarkable. You will have the authority, partnership, and runway to unleash your greatest strengths.
Responsibilities
The Chief Development Officer will design and lead a multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growth while strengthening donor channels. They will also partner with the CEO to cultivate high-value donor relationships and represent Vivalon as a community ambassador.
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