Spirit League
Development Director
Reports To: Founder/Director
Location: Hybrid
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary The Development Director leads all fundraising and development activities at Lions Tigers & Bears. This senior leadership role designs, implements, and manages strategies for individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, campaigns, and events.
The Development Director partners closely with the Founder/Director and Board of Directors to build a strong culture of philanthropy, expand revenue streams, and secure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
Exercises independent judgment and discretion in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and organizational decision-making.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and execute annual and multi-year development strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
Set fundraising goals and revenue projections; track performance and report results to leadership and the Board.
Plan and lead major fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Founder/Director on all fundraising matters.
Major Gifts & Donor Strategy
Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-level donors and sponsors.
Create and implement long-term donor engagement, retention, and upgrade strategies.
Deliver effective donor stewardship, recognition, and impact reporting.
Corporate, Foundation & Community Partnerships
Lead corporate sponsorship and foundation giving strategies, including proposal development and submissions.
Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
Represent Lions Tigers & Bears at high-profile donor, community, and industry events.
Team Leadership & Development Infrastructure
Supervise, mentor, and support fundraising staff, consultants, and volunteers.
Manage donor data systems, reporting processes, and CRM integrity.
Collaborate with communications and program teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational messaging and mission impact.
Engage and support the Board in fundraising through training, strategy, and active participation.
Qualifications & Skills Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree a plus.
Typically 5–8+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
Demonstrate success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
Show proven leadership and team management experience.
Apply strong strategic planning, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Use fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and CRM systems effectively.
Maintain a valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend off-site donor meetings, events, and organizational functions.
Core Competencies
Communicate and build relationships at an executive level.
Lead complex fundraising initiatives while managing competing priorities.
Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality. Collaborate effectively while maintaining a hands-on, results-driven leadership style.
Physical Demands
Regular verbal communication
Ability to stand, walk, squat, and reach
Frequent use of hands for handling materials and equipment
Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.
Lions Tigers & Bears is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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Position Summary The Development Director leads all fundraising and development activities at Lions Tigers & Bears. This senior leadership role designs, implements, and manages strategies for individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, campaigns, and events.
The Development Director partners closely with the Founder/Director and Board of Directors to build a strong culture of philanthropy, expand revenue streams, and secure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
Exercises independent judgment and discretion in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and organizational decision-making.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and execute annual and multi-year development strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
Set fundraising goals and revenue projections; track performance and report results to leadership and the Board.
Plan and lead major fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Founder/Director on all fundraising matters.
Major Gifts & Donor Strategy
Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-level donors and sponsors.
Create and implement long-term donor engagement, retention, and upgrade strategies.
Deliver effective donor stewardship, recognition, and impact reporting.
Corporate, Foundation & Community Partnerships
Lead corporate sponsorship and foundation giving strategies, including proposal development and submissions.
Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
Represent Lions Tigers & Bears at high-profile donor, community, and industry events.
Team Leadership & Development Infrastructure
Supervise, mentor, and support fundraising staff, consultants, and volunteers.
Manage donor data systems, reporting processes, and CRM integrity.
Collaborate with communications and program teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational messaging and mission impact.
Engage and support the Board in fundraising through training, strategy, and active participation.
Qualifications & Skills Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree a plus.
Typically 5–8+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
Demonstrate success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
Show proven leadership and team management experience.
Apply strong strategic planning, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Use fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and CRM systems effectively.
Maintain a valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend off-site donor meetings, events, and organizational functions.
Core Competencies
Communicate and build relationships at an executive level.
Lead complex fundraising initiatives while managing competing priorities.
Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality. Collaborate effectively while maintaining a hands-on, results-driven leadership style.
Physical Demands
Regular verbal communication
Ability to stand, walk, squat, and reach
Frequent use of hands for handling materials and equipment
Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.
Lions Tigers & Bears is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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