Development Director

Playworks seeks an experienced Development Director to join our Northern California team in the San Francisco Bay Area. This full-time, in-person position will shape our fundraising vision and regional growth strategy from our Oakland offices.

What This Role Involves

As Development Director, you'll lead all fundraising initiatives and relationship-building efforts across our San Francisco Bay Area region. Working directly with senior leadership, you'll develop and execute our development strategy, cultivate a portfolio of major donors and corporate partners, manage community and board relationships, and build our organizational brand. This is hands-on leadership in a mission-driven organization dedicated to bringing play-based programming to schools throughout Northern California.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute the regional fundraising strategy and operational plans, targeting increased revenue across individual, corporate, and institutional giving streams
• Build and maintain a major donor portfolio, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-value relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
• Direct board engagement efforts, including recruitment, cultivation, and co-leadership of advisory and associate boards aligned with annual giving goals
• Develop comprehensive external communications and public relations initiatives to strengthen Playworks' visibility and brand reputation
• Oversee development department operations and serve as strategic advisor to executive leadership on regional performance and market opportunities
• Lead a development team, providing coaching and growth opportunities to emerging fundraising leaders
• Conduct regular in-person meetings and site visits throughout the Bay Area to support donor engagement and community partnership development

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years progressive development experience, including 3+ years in team management or leadership
• Proven success launching or scaling fundraising programs in mission-oriented organizations within Northern California
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain long-term donor relationships and consistently achieve or exceed aggressive fundraising targets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling messaging and secure earned media
• Proficiency in financial analysis and donor reporting
• Leadership skills that foster collaboration and a dynamic workplace culture
• Authorization to work in the United States and minimum age of 18
• Preferred: Bachelor's or Master's degree in business or public administration; Salesforce or similar fundraising database experience; background in education or literacy sectors

More About Playworks

Throughout Northern California, Playworks partners with schools and after-school programs to integrate play-based learning and physical activity into the school day. Our on-site coaches and educator training programs build recess into daily routines, creating spaces where every student develops connection, physical literacy, and social-emotional skills. We are growing rapidly, and we're looking for experienced development leaders to accelerate our regional expansion.

Ready to Apply?

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