Director of Development at HUMANE SOCIETY OF VENTURA COUNTY

Ojai, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

30 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

01 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Fundraising, Donor Relations, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Annual Fund, Campaign Leadership, Community Engagement, Public Speaking, Relationship Management, Team Leadership, Data Management, Communication, Organizational Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Animal Welfare, CRM Proficiency

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Description

Description POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives of the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC). This senior role is responsible for planning, managing, and growing a comprehensive development program that includes a major gifts portfolio, annual giving, planned giving, capital and transformational campaign efforts, and special events. The Director works in close partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that advances HSVC's lifesaving mission and secures the organization's long-term financial health. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Donor Relations & Major Gifts Actively build and steward a portfolio of major donors, regularly meeting with prospects and supporters to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with HSVC. Lead all phases of major gift fundraising: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with a proven ability to close significant gifts that meaningfully advance organizational priorities. Develop and grow a planned giving program with emphasis on deferred gift instruments such as charitable bequests, trusts, and beneficiary designations. Maintain and enhance stewardship programs to honor donors at all levels and strengthen long-term commitment to HSVC. Annual Fund & Campaign Leadership Grow a robust annual fund program, including multi-channel appeals, direct mail, online campaigns, monthly sustainer and year-end giving drives designed to maximize donor participation and revenue. Provide strategic direction and project management for capital campaigns and other comprehensive fundraising initiatives, guiding efforts from feasibility through securing major gifts and successful conclusion. Oversee all prospect research activities to identify, qualify, and prioritize new donor opportunities across individual, corporate, and foundation giving channels. Direct and lead the fundraising staff, setting clear priorities, driving cohesive strategy, and holding the team accountable for meeting development goals. Events, Community Engagement & Administration Oversee fundraising special events that engage the community, elevate HSVC's visibility, and generate meaningful contributed revenue. Represent HSVC through public appearances and speaking engagements, effectively communicating the organization's mission, impact, and needs to diverse audiences. Lead community engagement efforts across Ventura County, including building and maintaining relationships with local businesses, corporate partners, and civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. Lead participation in community events, networking functions, and civic initiatives — both revenue and non-revenue producing — that broaden HSVC's presence and goodwill, positioning the organization as a valued community partner. Work closely with the HSVC’s Executive Director and Board of Directors on all fundraising strategy, goal-setting, and reporting; staff Board Development Committee meetings as needed. Support and assist employee giving drives and internal fundraising initiatives. Oversee the fundraising database and CRM systems to ensure data integrity, accurate gift processing, and timely acknowledgments. Maintain quality across integrated systems and run advanced CRM and donation processor reports to support forecasting, donor analysis, and organizational decision-making. Demonstrate professional conduct at all times and serve as an ambassador for HSVC's values and mission. Perform other related duties as assigned. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS & JOB SPECIFICATIONS The ideal candidate is a dynamic, relationship-driven fundraising professional who is deeply committed to animal welfare and the HSVC mission. Qualified applicants will demonstrate: Education & Experience Bachelor's degree required; CFRE designation or equivalent advanced credential a plus. A minimum of five (5) years of progressive professional fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of personally securing major gifts and leading successful large-scale fundraising efforts, including annual fund campaigns and comprehensive capital campaigns. Proven success cultivating and closing gifts at the, six-, and seven-figure level. Skills & Competencies Deep knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices, with particular expertise in major gift strategy and donor-centered relationship management. Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to motivate and collaborate with staff, Board members, volunteers, and community partners. A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset. A self-starter who is goal-oriented and energized by building relationships outside the office. Strong organizational skills with meticulous follow-through on tasks, timelines, and donor commitments. Positive, mission-driven attitude with genuine concern for animal welfare, community impact, and the people HSVC serves. Ability to write, edit, and oversee the production of development and marketing content including newsletters, social media posts, emails, and related collateral Professional presence, self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and excellent listening skills. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a development team, setting clear expectations, fostering professional growth, and creating a collaborative, accountable, and mission-aligned work culture. Proficiency with fundraising database platforms (Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, or equivalent) and standard office software. WORKING CONDITIONS This position operates in a combination of indoor office and outdoor shelter environments. The work setting may involve exposure to cleaning and medical chemicals, elevated noise levels, animal odors, pet dander, and animals of varying temperaments and dispositions. Use of appropriate protective equipment (ear protection, safety glasses, etc.) is required when conditions warrant. The role involves a varied schedule that may include occasional evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to support fundraising events and donor engagement activities. The Humane Society of Ventura County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development is responsible for leading all fundraising initiatives and managing a comprehensive development program. This includes building relationships with major donors, overseeing annual fund campaigns, and engaging with the community to elevate the organization's visibility.