**About Us**
Empowered by Light (EBL) is a Bay Area-based 501(c)3 nonprofit transforming
lives through renewable energy. We have completed more than 130 projects in 10
countries, alleviating energy poverty and advancing education, health,
conservation, and climate resilience. We are entering an exciting period of
growth and seeking a strategic, relationship-driven development leader to help
us reach the next level.
We are rooted in our mission and guided by values of respect for all people,
communities, and cultures. We strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace where
every team member's contributions are valued.
**Position Overview**
EBL seeks a Director of Development to work closely with the Executive
Director, Board, and Fundraising and Marketing Committee to raise $3 million
in contributed revenue over the next two fiscal years, and to build the
relationships, systems, and philanthropic partnerships that will support EBL’s
mission and growth for years to come. This is a remote position open to all
U.S. candidates, but San Francisco Bay Area-based preferred, with regular in-
person engagement expected with donors, board members, and community partners.
This highly external-facing role is responsible for building deep, long-term
donor relationships and executing a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising
strategy that ensures EBL's long-term financial health.
**Success in this role includes** :
* Raising $3M in contributed revenue over two fiscal years.
* Growing EBL's major donor pipeline and stewardship program.
* Expanding foundation and corporate partnerships.
* Building fundraising systems and donor engagement practices that support long-term growth.
* Increasing board engagement in fundraising.
**Organizational Leadership**
Set and align EBL's long-term fundraising vision and annual revenue goals as
part of multi-year, donor-centered fundraising strategy that builds
continuity, trust, and sustained community engagement while ensuring that
programmatic commitments, legal requirements, and gift-related compliance
standards are maintained.
**Donor & Portfolio Management** **Donor & Major Gifts**
* Develop and lead EBL's Major Gifts program, including prospect identification and qualification, personalized cultivation, well-crafted solicitations, and disciplined stewardship.
* Maintain and develop portfolio of individual donors and prospects, with emphasis on cultivating mid-level and major donors, supporting the Executive Director in managing and stewarding high-priority donor relationships using nationally and globally connected philanthropic networks to expand prospect strategy.
**Board Engagement**
Support and guide board members in fundraising and ambassadorship; staff the
Board Development Committee, and assist members with their donor relationships
by creating talking points and tracking introductions.
**Foundation Giving**
Oversee the foundation and institutional giving programs, which includes
researching new foundation partnerships, maintaining the grants calendar,
overseeing strategy, proposal development, deliverables, and budget creation,
and cultivating strategic relationships with foundation staff.
**Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships**
Build and grow a corporate revenue and sponsorship program from the ground up,
identifying aligned partners and developing engagement strategies that boost
brand visibility.
**Community Representation**
Act as a visible ambassador for the organization at Bay Area community events,
donor gatherings, and public-facing activities.
**Communications & Donor Acquisition**
Lead EBL's efforts to grow its donor base and deepen engagement through
compelling communications and targeted acquisition strategies, such as social
media channels, direct mail or email campaigns, appeal letters and impact
reports.
**Events & Engagement**
Lead strategy and execution for fundraising events, ensuring strong ROI and an
exceptional donor experience and represent EBL at community and donor events
throughout the Bay Area.
**Qualifications** **Required**
* Bachelor's degree and at least 5+ years of fundraising experience, including experience leading major gifts, institutional giving, or development initiatives.
* Demonstrated experience asking for and closing major gifts.
* Track record of building and maintaining long-term relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
* Experience planning and managing budgetary responsibilities.
* Demonstrated success securing foundation and institutional funding.
* Comfort working in a small, informal, and/or nonprofit environment.
* Valid driver's license.
**Preferred**
* Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire philanthropy through authentic engagement.
* Existing relationships with Bay Area foundations or individual donors in the environmental or social justice space.
* Familiarity with advanced gift planning concepts and planned giving vehicles.
* Experience with digital fundraising, direct mail, and current trends in major gifts solicitation.
* Knowledge of nonprofit management best practices.
* Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience a plus.
* Bay Area based candidates preferred.
**Compensation & Benefits**
The starting salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually,
commensurate with qualifications, experience, and location. Benefits include:
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance
* 401(k) plan
* Paid time off and holidays
* Parental leave and disability coverage
* Remote work with flexible scheduling
* Professional development support
**How to Apply**
Please send a cover letter and resume to
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with the
subject line "Director of Development Application." Applications are reviewed
on a rolling basis. Early submissions are strongly encouraged. Applicants
using LinkedIn's Easy Apply feature may not be seen/considered.
EBL is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We
prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex,
religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic
information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by
applicable law.