Director of Development

Scion Executive Search is proud to partner with the Wheelchair Foundation to identify its next Director of Development . This is an incredible opportunity for a seasoned and mission-driven fundraising leader to take full ownership of the organization’s development strategy. In this pivotal role, you will report directly to the Executive Director and President, leading all aspects of fundraising while shaping and driving a strategic vision that expands the Foundation’s reach and impact. You’ll energize a committed team, cultivate meaningful donor relationships, and play a key role in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of a mission that changes lives around the world. This is a full time, hybrid opportunity based in Danville, CA. Position Overview: The Director of Development will take full ownership of the organization’s fundraising goals and outcomes. This is a remarkable opportunity for a seasoned and mission-aligned fundraising professional to fully own and lead the organization’s development strategy. In this key leadership role, you will report directly to the Executive Director and President, overseeing all facets of fundraising while crafting and executing a strategic vision to grow the Foundation’s reach and impact. You will inspire a dedicated team, build and nurture meaningful donor relationships, and play a vital role in securing the long‑term financial health of a mission that transforms lives across the globe. Wheelchair Foundation, a proud subsidiary of the Behring Global Education Foundation, has spent the last 25 years delivering mobility to people around the world who cannot afford a wheelchair. We’re seeking a passionate and strategic Development Director to expand upon this remarkable legacy and amplify our impact for the next generation. Responsibilities: Lead donor cultivation efforts and manage special events to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization. Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with organizational goals, leveraging compelling messaging to engage and inspire donors. Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors through personalized cultivation and stewardship. Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events that engage the community, including managing logistics, securing sponsorships, and conducting post-event evaluations. Identify, engage, and cultivate corporate partnerships to secure financial support and collaborative opportunities for organizational initiatives. Analyze fundraising metrics to assess campaign effectiveness, uncover trends, and guide future fundraising strategies. Oversee the Annual Fundraising program, including annual appeals, targeted special appeals, and electronic campaigns. Manage donor data integrity, reporting accuracy, and communications to maximize strategic impact. Ensure fundraising databases and data management systems are regularly updated and optimized for accurate tracking and reporting. Collaborate with the President to set development priorities, create the annual fundraising calendar, and establish realistic fundraising targets. Partner with the Marketing team to develop and distribute donor communications across multiple platforms, including online, print, social media, newsletters, and magazines. Consistent track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals. Deep knowledge of foundation and major donor fundraising, with hands‑on experience engaging donors and managing foundation relationships. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability in grant writing and reporting. Strong leadership abilities with effective presentation and public speaking skills. Skilled in donor prospecting, cultivation, and relationship management. Proficient in data analysis, with advanced Excel skills. Experience with fundraising platforms and tools, including social media, online giving platforms, Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge), MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM systems. Passionate about the organization’s mission and committed to advancing its impact. Self‑motivated, goal‑oriented, and capable of driving ambitious fundraising Required Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, or a related field 5+ years of successful nonprofit fundraising experience Proven ability to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies with measurable outcomes Track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets Expertise in foundation and major donor fundraising, including direct donor engagement Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grant writing and reporting Strong leadership, presentation, and donor cultivation skills Skilled in prospecting, cultivating, and managing donor and funder relationships Proficient in data analysis with fluency in Microsoft Excel Experienced with fundraising platforms such as Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge), CRM systems, and digital tools (social media, email marketing, Google Suite, MS Office) Mission-driven, self‑motivated, and goal‑oriented Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities Committed to ethical and values‑based fundraising practices Compensation and Benefits: In addition to a competitive base salary of up to $180,000 DOE, Wheelchair Foundation offers a very generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401 (k) match, and generous PTO. 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