Director of Development

OverviewCASA of Monterey County's mission is to train and support community volunteers who advocate for children and youth placed in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. The Director of Development is a dedicated professional who embodies the mission of CASA of Monterey County by building strong, lasting support from the philanthropic and broader community of Monterey County. This position adds value to the organization by cultivating and strengthening relationships with donors, acquiring new supporters, and creating diverse giving opportunities for donors whose interests align with CASA's work. The Director also leads CASA's marketing and communications strategy, ensuring consistent, and compelling messaging across all platforms to strengthen awareness and support.Pivotal to success in this position is working with the Executive Director and partnering with a talented Board of Directors and staff team for maximum impact. As a senior-level team member, the Director of Development is a key contributor to creating and implementing CASA's fund development and communications strategies. This role provides training and support to staff and volunteers to ensure the success of fundraising campaigns, events, and outreach initiatives.The Director ensures that CASA's fund development and marketing strategies operate in alignment with its mission and adhere to the highest standards of donor-centric best practices.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESFund DevelopmentInform and train staff and board members on CASA's case for supportDevelop, implement, and manage a 12–18 month plan for fund development with diverse streams of incomeResearch, identify, develop, and submit applications for public and private grant opportunities, and prepare timely reportsPrepare direct mail and related fundraising appeals (e.g., annual appeal, Monterey County Gives, Friends of CASA) with mission-focused themes and materialsDevelop standards and metrics to measure effectiveness and establish benchmarks for successGrow the major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship of existing and new donors, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 and aboveManage corporate and foundation relationships, facilitating sponsorship outreach and proposals for events and programsOversee and expand diverse giving options, including recurring giving, planned giving, vehicle donations, and employee match programsAssist in the processing of donations to ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgment and stewardshipMeet consistently with prospective and active donors to build strong relationships and maintain effective communicationServe as project manager for signature fundraising and donor stewardship events, including planning, facilitating committees, and overseeing post-event analysisUtilizing fundraising database and tracking systems to provide financial analysesAssist with annual budget preparationProvide staff support to the Board Development and Marketing/Outreach CommitteesRepresent CASA of Monterey County at conferences, functions and speaking engagements throughout the service area, presenting a professional image and promoting CASA's value to constituentsMarketing and CommunicationsOversee marketing and communications activities to ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across print, digital, broadcast, and social media platformsCoordinate with the Social Media Manager to plan and execute content strategies that support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and community engagement goalsOversee the creation and preparation of all marketing and fundraising materials, including the annual impact report, newsletters, end-of-year appeals, et al.Use a metrics-driven approach to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and outreach efforts, adjusting imagery and messaging in response to trends and dataEnsure the website is user-friendly and optimized for online donations and engagementMaintain strong media relationships and assist with press outreach and public relations as neededOrganizational LeadershipWork collaboratively with staff, board members, and volunteers to align fundraising and marketing efforts with organizational goalsParticipate in strategic planning and contribute to the development of annual goals/objectives related to philanthropy and the organizationAbide by and promote ethical fundraising standardsBe results and people-oriented, excellent at follow through with a strong work ethic and superb attention to detailTake initiative in promoting new and innovative strategies and opportunitiesUndertake special assignments on behalf of CASA of Monterey County as assignedQUALIFICATIONSEducation/Experience:Bachelor's Degree or higherDevelopment Director prior experience (3-5 years)Experience in a 'small shop' organizationSuccessful record in managing broad scope of fundraising tactics including but not limited to annual giving, grant solicitation, major gifts, and special eventsAbility to develop strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and relationsExcellent financial analysis skills and reporting capabilitiesBasic Responsibilities:Proficiency with office equipment/technology necessary for successExcellent written communications and use of grammarMaintain confidential records and reportsInterpret and adhere to administrative and organizational policies and proceduresComply with all required background checksSuccessfully complete the CASA Advocate Training program within the first yearPhysical Working Conditions:Evening and weekend hours may be required to meet donors and engage in community eventsOut-of-area travel rare, but travel within the county routineFrequently perform desk-based computer tasks, sit, and use a telephone, stand/walkOccasionally light grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 25 pounds, writing by handLicense and Certificates:Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or comparable certification preferred, supplemented by an active professional affiliation (e.g. AFP)Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's licenseMotor vehicle insurance with a declaration of automotive insurance as requiredCASA of Monterey County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Any person convicted of or having charges pending for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or CASA's program credibility, are automatically ineligible for employment with CASA of Monterey.