Development Director

Canopy is a growing environmental nonprofit that brings nature into neighborhoods throughout the San Francisco Midpeninsula through tree planting and care, environmental education, and urban forest advocacy.  We envision a day when every resident of the Midpeninsula can step outside and walk, play and thrive under the shade of healthy trees.

Summary

This opportunity is for an experienced development professional to take fundraising programs to the next level at a healthy nonprofit in a dynamic phase of growth. The Development Director will lead and integrate Canopy’s fundraising strategies across individual and institutional giving, and provide hands-on implementation for foundation and corporate grants, the annual fund, and a budding major gifts program. This position has two direct reports, a Communications Manager and Database Specialist, and shares oversight of an Administrative Associate who provides development support. The Development Director also collaborates closely with the Executive Director and Senior Director of Programs, as well as an engaged and passionate Board of Directors. Canopy actively strives towards the principles of community-centric fundraising, and welcomes applicants interested in furthering this work.

Organizational Context

Since its founding in 1996, Canopy has grown from an all-volunteer team to a current staff of fifteen and operating budget of $1.5 million. This growth has been fueled by a thriving community of volunteers as well as balanced funding streams that include earned revenue (primarily state and city contracts), foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving, all of which have grown steadily. Over the last several years, Canopy has consciously invested in fundraising capacity to continue bolstering long-term financial sustainability. Since 2015, Canopy successfully launched and completed its first multi-year capital-style campaign, codified its development strategy with a three-year fundraising plan, created a donor engagement task force of engaged Board members, and took the first steps towards formalizing major gift and planned giving programs. In the current fiscal year, the organization is working on a new 3-year strategic plan, to be completed in spring 2022. This position represents Canopy’s next investment in fundraising capacity by centralizing leadership for development strategies across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities 

Work with Executive Director, Senior Director of Programs, and Board leadership to evaluate and manage Canopy’s mix of funding from contributed revenue, earned program revenue, and government contracts to ensure diversified revenue streams and long-term financial sustainability. Establish clear fundraising goals for all contributed revenue sources (individual, corporate, and foundation); plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate strategies to achieve goals and grow contributed revenue over time, coordinating efforts among all relevant team members to achieve shared goals. Manage two reports, including Communications Manager and Database Specialist, guiding work plans and goal-setting, conducting performance reviews, and supporting professional development.  Work with the Executive Director to frame Canopy’s case for support in a clear, consistent, and compelling way. Build stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation strategies, engaging and equipping staff, board members, and key volunteers to build meaningful relationships with donors and funders at all levels. With support from the development team, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major gifts, personally and in partnership with staff and board. Craft appeals and manage execution of multi-channel fundraising for the annual fund and other individual giving campaigns, including direct mail, online solicitations, and fundraising events with support from the team. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward institutional funders, prepare proposals in partnership with program staff, and manage Canopy’s portfolio of institutional grants in partnership with Operations Director. Establish a legacy giving program; this can be done initially in collaboration with a consultant as needed. Work with the Executive Director and Board Chair to build the Board’s capacity and confidence with fundraising. Coordinate with Operations team to ensure accurate processing and accounting of gifts, contracts, and grants. Evaluate and improve internal systems, donor metrics, policies, and procedures for efficient and effective development at Canopy. In 2022, initiate feasibility study for multi-year capital-style campaign, building on organization’s success with similar campaign in 2015-2018. Perform other related duties as needed to ensure success of Canopy’s fundraising programs.

Qualifications & Experience

Commitment and passion for Canopy’s mission to advance “tree equity” and grow a vibrant urban forest in Midpeninsula communities for the benefit of all Commitment to environmental justice, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), and cultural competency to communicate, interact, and collaborate with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities Bachelor’s Degree and 5-7 years of experience in progressively challenging fundraising roles, or equivalent combination of education/experience Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferred Comfort with public speaking and direct solicitations Proven track record of securing major gifts Tangible experience of having sustained and grown donor relationships over time Direct work experience training and supporting boards and/or high-level volunteers in fundraising Professional experience in nonprofit leadership, with demonstrated success achieving goals Exceptional communication and writing skills Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills Management experience of a diverse team; ability to foster a supportive environment where creativity and professional growth are encouraged Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to think strategically Strong project planning, management, and execution skills, with high attention to detail Strong knowledge of fundraising software and donor databases; Salesforce experience preferred Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

Hybrid Environment Canopy is committed to the health and safety of our staff. We have a hybrid work environment with some days in the office or field, and some days working from home. Because of the constantly changing environment, team members will need to maintain flexibility with possible changes and updates to the hybrid work plan.

Compensation

Compensation: $95,000 - $125,000 annually  Medical/dental/vision insurance, sick leave and generous vacation time Opportunities for professional development

To Apply

Please send a résumé, cover letter, and a writing sample to Ann Bilodeau at abilo@via.net, with the subject header “Canopy Development Director”. Accepting applications on a rolling basis until position is filled. 

Equal opportunity employer: Canopy strives to engage, celebrate, and reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We value inclusion and equity in our programs, leadership, and hiring practices.