Director of Development

Overview

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities…. JOIN US!

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

-American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
-Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
-Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
-Extended interview time
-A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
-Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
-Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org .

Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Hybrid – In Office (California) / Telework

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 

Regular, Exempt

SALARY RANGE:

Band 13 ($98,382.00 – $144,062.00)

As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by December 12, 2025, to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

Position Information

UNIT:   Development

DEPARTMENT:   Development

REPORTS TO:  Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION:  Hybrid

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Director of Development will lead and expand Disability Rights California’s (DRC) fundraising and donor engagement strategy to sustain and grow our mission-driven work. This role combines out-of-the-box strategic vision with hands-on implementation – building relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and equity-centered leader who understands that fundraising is an act of social justice, inspires innovative approaches to fundraising, champions donor stewardship, and proactively seeks out grant opportunities that align with DRC’s strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

· Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational strategic goals and values.

· Support our donors in achieving their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a strong relationship with Disability Rights California.

· Generate new ideas to increase revenue and strengthen donor loyalty.

· Report on program progress to Senior Leaders and the Board of Directors, and act as staff support to DRC’s volunteer Development Working Group.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

· Cultivate and expand a diverse portfolio of long-term donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

· Lead efforts in major gifts cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

· Develop a management plan for donors and prospects, with the intention to increase donor giving over time.

· Design innovative campaigns for annual giving, planned giving, and peer-to-peer fundraising.

· Ensure compliance with fundraising best practices, ethical standards, and donor restrictions.

· Play a leadership role in DRC’s annual Gala and fundraising events and activities.

Communications & Partnerships

· Collaborate with the CEO, communications team, and other units to align storytelling, marketing, and fundraising strategies.

· Ensure that messaging and donor engagement practices reflect disability justice principles and center lived experience.

· Represent the organization externally to funders, partners, and the community.

· Partner with aligned organizations to grow their capacity alongside DRC.

· Research new grant opportunities to share with the appropriate staff.

Team Leadership

· Supervise and mentor development staff, consultants, and interns.

· Recruit, train, and support key volunteers to assist in advancement efforts.

· Manage the development budget and fundraising systems (CRM, donor database, etc.).

· Partner with CEO in developing and cultivating relationships with prospects.

· Report regularly to the CEO and Board on fundraising progress and trends.

Skills

· An enthusiastic leader capable of motivating people to reach a common goal. A leader who will make timely, effective, and ethical decisions.

· Ability to develop deep relationships with strategic partners and donors.

· Make direct, face-to-face solicitations.

· Giving and receiving feedback.

· Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects.

 

Requirements
Minimum

· Demonstrated commitment to disability rights and social justice.

Preferred

· Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in strategic partnerships, community engagement, and/or nonprofit development with progressive leadership responsibilities.

· Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for innovation and implement new initiatives successfully and expeditiously.

· Experience with storytelling and communicating clearly in a compelling way to diverse audiences.

· Ability to engage and leverage senior leaders and a Board of Directors in development initiatives.

· Experience developing inclusive fundraising practices that engage donors as partners in systemic change.

· Experience with project management and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

· Familiarity with fundraising software (e.g., EveryAction, Salesforce, or similar).

· Commitment to staying informed about trends in philanthropy and fundraising best practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS*

· Work from office and telework position (Hybrid)

· Virtual and in-person meetings/functions

· Computer and phone usage

· Reliable transportation to appointments and events

· Lifting of pieces of equipment and materials under 10lbs

· Occasional working of nights, long hours, and weekends

*These requirements may be subject to change pursuant to reasonable accommodations*

Tagged as: development, disability, fundraising