Assistant Development Director
Save Mount Diablo - Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek, California
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $75,000 - $80,000 per year |
| Benefits | Health, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan |
| Deadline | Feb 20, 2026 |
| Experience | 2 - 6 years |
Summary
Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo (SMD), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, with its headquarters in Walnut Creek, California, is a nationally accredited land trust, and works to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and its sustaining Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources.
Save Mount Diablo is looking to hire an Assistant Development Director, reporting to the Development Director, to help advance and support the organization’s fundraising and development activities.
Job Description
This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Development Director.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Working closely with the Development Director, the Assistant Director plans and implements fundraising, communication, and stewardship strategies to increase revenue from annual, major, and corporate/foundation donors and to secure legacy gifts via planned giving.
- Manages a portfolio of donors and prospects through all phases of the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process with a focus on deepening their engagement with and investment in the organization.
- Provides written copy for fundraising-related materials including proposals, newsletter articles, and other donor-related communications. Contributes to the design and production of fundraising materials and publications.
- Supports the Development Director with Board and Development Committee member relations, including report and presentation preparation; Committee meeting support; and Board member assistance related to fundraising and portfolio management.
- Assists in managing the Legacy Circle membership program, including overseeing internal administrative duties; conducting outreach to potential and current members; updating website and print materials; and hosting events.
- Conducts prospect research and prepares briefings for senior staff and volunteer leadership, including members of the Board.
- Supports activities related to institutional fundraising including assisting with corporate sponsorships and grant application and reporting.
- Assists with the planning and execution of a series of donor events throughout the year.
- Effectively utilizes the donor database (Raiser’s Edge) to ensure accurate and detailed records of SMD’s relationships with prospects and donors.
- As part of the development team, assists with a variety of collaborative and individual projects necessary to meet the overall organizational goals and objectives.
- Demonstrates professionalism in representing SMD with external audiences.
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
- Skilled relationship manager with proven track record of successfully engaging with prospects/donors and securing annual, major and planned gifts.
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices as well as emerging issues and trends.
- Demonstrated ability to work with Board members and high-level community volunteers.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and capacity to perform well independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to produce data and fiscal analysis as needed for reporting purposes.
- Demonstrated knowledge of volunteer and special events management.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office. Some experience with donor management and prospect research tools also preferred.
- Highly organized, detail oriented, and skilled with record keeping.
- Strong team player who is positive and supportive of team members.
- Passion for SMD’s conservation mission and values.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Three to five years of demonstrated success in a similar fundraising environment.
Essential Requirements
- Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion
- Daily access to a motor vehicle or other modes of transportation
- Possess a valid California driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a clean driving record
Physical Demands
The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Employee must be able to travel to external meetings and provide occasional physical setup and breakdown of meetings/events.
Employee must also be able to hike, occasionally in steep and/or rugged terrain and in inclement weather.
Salary
Starting salary range of $75,000 to $80,000, dependent upon experience.
Benefits Include
Health, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan
To Apply:
- Email a cover letter and resume to jobs@savemountdiablo.org.
- Please title the email “Assistant Development Director”
| Category | Admin & Leadership |
| Tags | Outreach |