Head of Development (Remote)

Classification and Time : Full-time, Exempt
Benefits : Health, dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life/AD&D insurance, pretax commuter benefit, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid holidays, sick, and vacation time
Since 1981, Friends of the Urban Forest, a premier San Francisco environmental nonprofit, has brought together communities throughout the city to plant more than 60,000 trees — half of San Francisco’s street tree canopy. Friends of the Urban Forest has a long history of integrating urban greening with civic engagement as a way to increase community health and resilience, combat the effects of the climate crisis, and promote environmental equity and social justice. Friends of the Urban Forest recognizes San Francisco’s many communities and cultures and the diverse ways in which they connect with our urban forest. The Development Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of Friends of the Urban Forest, generating between $1.5 and $2 million in contributed revenue annually. foundation and corporate relations; The Development Director serves as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Board of Directors and staff to strengthen Friends of the Urban Forest’s culture of philanthropy.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraising professional with excellent leadership skills, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to environmental justice and community empowerment.
Strategic Leadership & Planning

Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration with Programs, Finance and Operations.
Team Management & Culture Building

Hire, supervise, support, and mentor a small team of experienced resource development staff.
Foster a collaborative, values-driven department that centers equity, curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning.
Ensure clear roles, workflows, and performance benchmarks.
Oversee proposal development, reporting, events, donor communications, and development of CRM standards and donation platforms.
Expand and diversify the donor base while strengthening engagement with long-time supporters and community partners.
Represent Friends of the Urban Forest at events, donor meetings, partner gatherings, and community forums as needed.
7+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in environmental, community development, or social justice organizations.

• Proven success in major gifts, foundation relations, and donor strategy development.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and storytelling skills.
• Strong project management skills and comfort juggling multiple priorities.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practices.
• The Development Director position is full-time, exempt with an annual salary of $130,000 - $145,000. Friends of the Urban Forest offers a competitive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance for employees and 50% for dependents (up to a certain limit). We offer a 403(b) Retirement Plan with an employer match, a generous paid leave policy that includes 13 holidays each year, vacation starting at 12 days and increasing with additional years of employment, 10 sick days and funds for professional development opportunities.

Friends of the Urban Forest is dedicated to gender and race equity and inclusion. Flexible and Safe Work Environment
The position currently operates in a hybrid model with approximately 50% time working in the office located in the Presidio of San Francisco and 50% time working remotely.
In an effort to avoid serious health and safety risks and significant disruption to our work, we have taken measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19 including a mandatory vaccination policy. New hires will be asked to provide proof of vaccination on the first day of employment.
Office workspaces are often shared and employees should not have any expectation that they can be assigned a dedicated workspace.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply, and so are candidates dedicated to anti-racism, gender inclusivity, and inclusion.