Job Position

Since 1910 Scouting has helped mold future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Scouting America believes and understands that helping youth helps create a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

The Development Director will be responsible for providing leadership to the comprehensive fundraising operations of the local council, including annual giving, major gifts, capital support, endowment growth, special events and foundation and trust support. In addition, the Development Director will be responsible for strengthening the implementation of a comprehensive stewardship plan that fosters trusted relationships with donors at all levels. This position is an exciting and challenging opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional eager to grow the fundraising programs of the Sequoia Council.

The Sequoia Council serves over 1,300 youth members and over 880 volunteer leaders in Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare Counties in California’s San Joaquin Valley and is headquartered in Fresno, CA. This is great opportunity for a goals-oriented leader ready to make a major impact.

• Work closely with the CEO/Scout Executive to coordinate a strategic program of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual and major gift prospects and donors that allows for the expansion of Scouting America programs to an ever-increasing number of local youth.
• Develop and execute a series of annual fundraising campaigns and events including annual giving, major gifts, special events, foundation and grant writing, and donor cultivation.
• Recruit, train, inspire and partner with volunteer support committees for all campaigns, special events, and initiatives.
• Provide staff support to the Board of Directors for all development related issues.
• Help implement and strengthen existing, comprehensive annual giving strategies that result in higher per donor giving levels and an expanded donor base.
• Cultivate current and identify new community funding support through individuals, businesses, foundations, and other entities where the council currently has little to no relationship.
• Provide leadership to council staff in support of fundraising record keeping, data entry, gift processing, and fiscal stewardship related to donor giving, documenting donor contacts and history using fundraising software.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Sequoia Council for accepting, recording, and acknowledging gifts.
• Participate fully as a Sequoia Council management staff member, attending full staff meetings, appropriate development activities, and other staff meetings as appropriate.
• Support Sequoia Council fund development strategic plans and implement programs to achieve the plan objectives.
• Develop and utilize tracking reports that demonstrate progress towards goal achievement in all campaigns.
• Participate in council events to cultivate relationships with donors, prospects, key volunteers, and all internal partners.
• Pursue professional growth activities that will grow personal capacity with the approval and support of the CEO/Scout Executive.

• Bachelor’s degree.

• At least five years of fundraising experience in non-profit organizations that demonstrates year-over-year annual growth.
• CFRE designation.
• Management experience is highly preferred as this role will have the opportunity to organically grow a fundraising team in the future.
• Demonstrated portfolio of securing gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Strong technology background with skills in using Microsoft Suite and Constituent Relationship Management software, social media, creative content, and marketing software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, negotiation skills, and the ability to deal with complex concepts and ambiguity.
• High capacity of emotional intelligence and the ability to adjust and respond to environmental, interpersonal, and situational scenarios. Mature wisdom and judgement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and interact effectively with donors and high-level volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration as well as the ability to work both independently and collectively with other team members.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to travel within council territory and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be willing to accept and meet Scouting America’s leadership and membership standards and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. A Scouting background is helpful but not required.
• Offers for employment are subject to criminal, reference, and motor vehicle background checks.

The Sequoia Council  is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace as an equal opportunity employer. We value talent and strive to create an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

Competitive Compensation:
We offer a highly competitive salary range of $95,000 to $110,000, commensurate with your experience and expertise.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Our robust benefits package is designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. It includes:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans.
• Financial Security: Life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and accidental death insurance.
• Retirement Savings: Participation in our 403(b) thrift plan with a generous match.
• Work-Life Support: Paid vacation, holiday observances, and reimbursement for approved business-related expenses, including mileage.

By joining our team, you’ll benefit from a supportive environment that values innovation, excellence, and personal growth. We’re excited to welcome dedicated individuals who share our passion for making a difference.