Senior Director of Philanthropy

Reporting to the CEO and overseeing the Philanthropy Manager, the Senior Director of Philanthropy will define the vision, shape strategy, and secure the major investments that power CAC’s bold fight for policies protecting our communities and climate.

This role is for a highly‑experienced, creative fundraiser who thrives on relationship building, closing significant gifts, and cultivating a strong culture of fundraising. You will have the autonomy and authority to design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to exceed our nearly $2 million annual fundraising goal.

Your Location:

• Live in San Diego, CA or Orange County, CA (able to network, meet with donors, etc)
• No in office work required but must live in area (or an immediate plan for relocation)
• Our HQ: San Diego, CA

Your Schedule:

• Monday to Friday (9am-5pm)

Your Manager:

• Nicole Capretz, CEO

Climate Action Campaign's' Core Values

• Justice
• Diversity
• Equity
• Inclusion
• Health
• Voice
• Safety

Your Contribution to Climate Action Campaign

• Lead Philanthropy Strategy : Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan
• Major Donor Development : Build strong relationships with major donors and prospects
• Partnerships : Foundations, government, and corporate (multi-year, 6- & 7- figure commitments)
• Campaigns & Events : Drive successful fundraising initiatives (inspire, engage, and expand donors)
• Donor Communications : Craft compelling stories, campaigns, and digital engagement strategies.
• Board Engagement : Mentor/train Board Members in their philanthropic and fundraising roles
• Team Leadership : Supervise and grow the Philanthropy Manager
• Team Culture: Foster a collaborative, enthusiastic culture of philanthropy
• Community Presence : Represent CAC at events and in community spaces

What Makes You Successful:

• Proven Fundraiser : 15+ years of nonprofit fundraising success (grown major donor programs)
• Major Donor Strategist : Skilled at identifying, cultivating, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Dynamic Communicator : Exceptional at listening, storytelling, and connecting with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strategic Leader : Experienced in supervising staff and engaging boards
• Digitally Fluent : Comfortable leveraging emerging digital tools (e.g. AI, CRM systems)
• Understands the Bigger Picture : Grasps the political and climate landscape (policy & advocacy)
• Equity-Centered : Deeply committed to building a more fair and affordable future
• Passionate Visionary : Motivated to make a lasting difference in advancing climate justice.

Climate Action Campaign's Contribution to You:

• Salary: $135k to $170k/yr
• 403b w/ 4% Match
• Medical/Dental/Vision: 100% coverage for employee (dependents paid by employee)
• Paid Holidays: 23 (You read that right!!)
• Closed last two weeks in December
• PTO Days: Starts at 15 (Then w/ Tenure: 20 > 25 > 30 Days!)
• Cell Phone: $65 Stipend
• Transportation: $100 Stipend
• Salary Increase: $3k @ 5yrs (Then $5k One-Time Bonus Every 5yrs)

About Climate Action Campaign

Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a bold, people‑powered nonprofit advancing clean air, affordable energy, and vibrant, healthy communities. We believe transformative laws, policies, and programs are won through the energy, courage, and voice of everyday people. Building on our history of landmark victories in San Diego, Orange County, and across California , CAC recently helped pass historic legislation to reform the utility business model and lower energy rates for families. Now more than ever, we’re poised to scale our impact, and philanthropy is central to that growth.