Director of Philanthropy

WHAT WE DO

Canine Companions is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of expertly trained service dogs, empowering children, adults, veterans, and professionals to live and work with greater independence. Since 1975, the organization has placed more than 8,500 service dog teams and built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and client outcomes. Uniquely, all dogs, training, and lifetime follow-up services are provided at no cost to clients.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $44 million and more than 340 employees nationwide, Canine Companions serves individuals with physical, cognitive, hearing, and developmental disabilities, veterans with service-related disabilities and PTSD, individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes, and professionals working in healthcare, education, and criminal justice settings. Guided by a commitment to inclusion, access, and service excellence, the organization is executing an ambitious strategic plan to expand its impact, strengthen community engagement, and reduce wait times for qualified applicants.

The Southwest Region currently serves Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Hawaii and plays a critical role in advancing the organization's mission through program delivery, community engagement, and philanthropy.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

The Southwest Region operates within a collaborative national structure while maintaining significant responsibility for fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and community visibility. The culture is deeply mission-driven, with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners united by a shared commitment to transforming lives through the human-canine partnership. Collaboration, authenticity, and service are highly valued throughout the organization. Well positioned for continued growth, the region benefits from a strong foundation, longstanding community support, and meaningful opportunities to expand engagement, philanthropy, and mission impact. The Director of Philanthropy reports to the Executive Director, Southwest Region, with a dotted line to Marcia Dowds, VP of Philanthropy, a respected development professional and five-year member of the Canine Companions leadership team.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $85,000–$91,000
• Employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance
• PTO: 17 paid days off, 14 paid holidays, including an Inclusion Holiday, paid volunteer hours
• Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Programs
• Professional development support
• VCA Pet Perks Program (20% veterinary discount)

LOCATION

This position is based at the Canine Companions Southwest Training Center in Oceanside, CA. Regional travel is expected for donor meetings, events, and community engagement.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, with a dotted line to the VP of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy leads major gift fundraising efforts for the Southwest Region. The Director manages a portfolio of 125+ qualified donors and prospects, with responsibility for achieving an individual fundraising goal of approximately $850,000 annually through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation support. Working closely with the Executive Director, philanthropy team, volunteers, and program staff, the Director will strengthen donor relationships, expand philanthropic investment, and help advance the region's overall $5.75 million annual fundraising goal.

Year One Priorities

• Deepen Donor Relationships. Build trust and engagement with current and prospective donors through intentional cultivation, stewardship, and face-to-face relationship management.
• Drive Fundraising Growth. Execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances individual, corporate, and foundation giving while contributing to the region's overall revenue goals.
• Build a High-Performing Portfolio. Manage a portfolio of 125+ donors and prospects through strategic moves management, strong pipeline discipline, and data-informed decision-making.
• Strengthen Internal Collaboration. Partner closely with program, volunteer, and philanthropy colleagues to align fundraising efforts with mission impact and enhance donor engagement.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a portfolio of 125+ qualified donors and prospects and achieve an annual fundraising goal of $850,000 through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts.
• Partner with the Executive Director to develop and execute the regional fundraising plan, supporting the Southwest Region's $5.75 million annual revenue goal.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors to strengthen philanthropic investment and advance regional fundraising priorities.
• Collaborate with the regional Grants Specialist to build and steward foundation relationships, support grant strategies, and strengthen funder engagement.
• Develop and implement strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans utilizing established moves management practices and donor engagement strategies.
• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events, sponsorship initiatives, and Heritage Society activities to enhance donor engagement and long-term giving.
• Maintain accurate donor records, activity tracking, and pipeline management within Salesforce CRM to support effective portfolio management and reporting.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular reporting, analysis, and forecasting to support data-informed decision-making and revenue growth.
• Assist in the development and management of philanthropy budgets and fundraising forecasts.
• Partner with volunteers, community leaders, and advocates to expand donor networks, strengthen community relationships, and enhance regional visibility.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Minimum five years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with a proven track record of securing and stewarding major gifts of $25,000+ and achieving established revenue goals.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and moves management.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or comparable CRM systems and the ability to leverage data, reporting, and analytics to drive fundraising performance.
• Collaborative and highly accountable work style, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work cross-functionally, and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Personal integrity, warmth, and a mission-driven approach, with a genuine appreciation for the impact of donors, volunteers, and community partnerships.