[Hiring] Senior Director, Development @Blue Star Families

Role Description

The Senior Director, Development – Northern California serves as the lead fundraising strategist and major gifts officer for Blue Star Families within the Northern California region. This role is responsible for cultivating high-net-worth individuals, corporate leaders, family foundations, and institutional partners across the Bay Area and broader Northern California market.

• Northern California represents a high-opportunity philanthropic market characterized by significant wealth concentration, corporate philanthropy, technology sector leadership, and innovation-driven giving.
• The Senior Director must possess strong working knowledge of the regional philanthropic climate, including venture philanthropy, donor-advised funds, family foundations, and corporate social responsibility networks.
• This position manages a defined major gift portfolio and is accountable for revenue generation, pipeline development, and strategic donor engagement within the region.
• The Senior Director collaborates closely with Development leadership, Chapter Support, Events, and national fundraising initiatives to maximize regional impact.
• While this role is remote, regular local travel and periodic out-of-town, overnight travel is an essential function.
• In-person time is critical to how we work — enabling deep collaboration, team alignment, creative problem-solving, and a shared sense of purpose.
• Team members are expected to travel several times per year for offsites, planning sessions, and company-wide gatherings.
• Participation in these in-person gatherings is a required part of the role and integral to successful performance in our remote-first organization.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts of $25,000+ and principal gifts.
• Strong understanding of Northern California’s philanthropic and corporate landscape.
• Experience engaging high-net-worth individuals, technology leaders, and family foundations.
• Ability to operate independently in a regional leadership role.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Ability to travel regionally on a regular basis.
• Ability to travel overnight several times per year for organizational gatherings and donor engagement.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Requirements

• Experience fundraising within high-wealth markets.
• Familiarity with donor-advised funds and venture philanthropy models.
• Experience working in national nonprofit organizations with regional structures.
• Established relationships within Bay Area philanthropic networks.

Benefits

• Mission-driven work supporting military service members and their families.
• Flexible work options (remote, or hybrid depending on the role).
• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, and disability insurance.
• Communications allowance.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• PCS leave for Active Duty military spouses.