Fast Facts

The Vice President of Development at Think Education will lead the strategic fundraising initiatives to enhance the organization's impact statewide, collaborating closely with the CEO and senior leaders to cultivate relationships with high-net-worth donors and institutional partners.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include developing multi-year fundraising strategies, managing donor relationships, leading a fundraising team, and overseeing donor tracking and reporting systems.

Skills: Candidates should possess excellent communication skills and have extensive experience in non-profit fundraising, with a focus on building relationships with donors and stakeholders.

Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required, along with 15+ years in non-profit fundraising and a proven track record of securing significant donations.

Location: Position is based in Santa Ana, CA, with potential travel requirements of up to 25%.

Compensation: $225000 - $250000 / Annually

Overview

Vice President, Development

JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President, Development is a strategic leader responsible for designing, executing, and scaling a multi-year fundraising strategy that fuels Think Education’s statewide impact initiatives and supports the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Partnering closely with the CEO and other senior leaders, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth donors to drive a multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising campaign. Strengthening and expanding relationships with foundations, corporations, and key education influencers to expand funding and visibility for the organization. Develop and grow a robust donor pipeline, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and Donor Advised Funds (DAF), by shaping compelling donor-focused messaging and campaign materials that inspire investment and deepen commitment. Manage and mentor a fundraising team, ensuring excellence in donor stewardship, data systems, and reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop and execute multi-year strategic fund development plan that aligns and supports Think Education’s new strategy, with a focus on securing seed and operating funding for impact portfolio initiatives (e.g., superintendent leadership development, school improvement and digital product development).
• Work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to identify, cultivate and solicit high net worth individuals to support multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising campaign.
• Partner with senior leaders in the organization to nurture and develop strong relationships with institutional donors (e.g., foundations and corporations) and education influencers, leading to increased funding and visibility for Think’s work throughout the state.
• Drive growth of new donor pipelines, with emphasis on high-net-worth individuals and DAFs.
• Serve as primary external representative, dedicating time to cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors, philanthropic partners, and key stakeholders, including attending and participating in high-visibility community and industry events to advance strategic priorities.
• Craft high impact messaging, with support of the marketing and communication team, directed at donor audience and fundraising objectives. Lead the development of materials for capital campaign.
• Lead and mentor team of fundraising professionals and support staff to achieve financial and strategic goals.
• Oversee all internal processes relating to donor tracking and reporting.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, or proven work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• 15+ years of progressive non-profit fundraising experience, with sustained success in securing gifts from individuals, foundations, or corporations; 10+ years focused on fundraising and external relations. Experience leading capital campaigns, preferred.
• Excellent communication and the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and other stakeholders

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Moderate Noise (examples: typical office noise)
• Stand, Walk, Sit (in general office environment)
• Computer Screen visual in performance of role
• Lift up to 10 pounds
• Travel up to 25%
• Some work outside of standard business hours is required, with at least one evening per week and a minimum of one weekend day per month.
• Must pass Live Scan (criminal background check via fingerprinting), provide a clear TB test.
• Reliable transportation is required to meet the needs of the position.
• While driving is not a regular requirement of this role, employees who operate a personal or company vehicle for work purposes must maintain a valid driver's license and current auto insurance on file with HR.

COMPUTER SKILLS:  

• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office software products (including Teams).
• Strong Excel skills and comfortable working with data, budgets, and reports.
• Highly proficient with PowerPoint design.

COMPENSATION: $225K-$250K

This is the targeted compensation for the position. A range of factors, including but not limited to; location, skills, experience, will be considered. Actual compensation may vary.