Chief Development Officer

DescriptionVivalon is a mission-driven Marin nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized ten times as a Best Place to Work in the North Bay, we are proud to foster a compassionate, innovative, and supportive workplace culture. As a $20 million organization and the largest nonprofit in Marin County supporting older adults and people with disabilities, we help people stay active, nourished, connected, and supported — while ensuring access to essential transportation. Our core services include Rides, Meals, Classes, Care, and Advice.Vivalon is at a pivotal moment that requires a philanthropy-focused financial turnaround. With our transformative new Healthy Aging Campus now open, the community's needs far exceeding current capacity, and philanthropy being the decisive factor in what is possible next, this is a rare opportunity to help lead both stability and expansion.Philanthropy isn’t supporting the strategy — it is the strategy.To drive this work, we are seeking a bold, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer who is inspired by urgency, relevance, and measurable results. You will partner closely with a CEO who is a strong closer — an experienced public speaker and relationship builder who has personally secured dozens of six-figure gifts. This is a leadership partnership built for acceleration and success.Essential FunctionsComprehensive Fundraising & Marketing StrategyDesign and lead an ambitious multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growthStrengthen and innovate all donor channels — major gifts, corporate, foundation, digital, and community givingDrive external visibility and demand through compelling marketing and communications that amplify impact and scalePartner with a fundraising-forward CEO to cultivate and close high-value donor relationshipsRepresent Vivalon as a compelling storyteller, community ambassador, and strategic ally to partners and fundersMarketing, Communications & Brand StrategyHelp lead Vivalon’s marketing staff to:Create a bold brand and marketing strategy that significantly expands Vivalon’s visibility and reputationEnsure clear, cohesive messaging across fundraising, programs, media, and eventsStrengthen digital presence, storytelling, and content that drive donor engagement and community activationUse analytics to prioritize investment and maximize marketing ROIPosition Vivalon as a trusted leader in the fields of healthy aging, social connection, and supporting adults with disabilities across the regionExecutive Leadership Planning & StrategyServe as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic priorities and long-term visionBuild alignment and philanthropic engagement throughout the organizationProvide strategic guidance and fundraising insights to the CEO and BoardDefine and lead Board fundraising expectations, building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed for meaningful philanthropic engagementChampion a culture of philanthropic ownership across leadership and staffTeam Management & MentorshipLead and grow a high-performing development and marketing teamFoster collaboration, innovation, learning, and shared accountabilityEnsure operational structure and coaching that enable team successDonor-Centered StrategyAdvance a relationship-first philosophy that builds long-term donor trust and investmentCreate comprehensive stewardship approaches that celebrate impactStrengthen the donor pipeline and ensure Board members are confident and engaged fundraising partnersSupport the Board with clear expectations, tools, and coaching to increase year-over-year philanthropic participationSystems & InfrastructureMaintain strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and analyticsUtilize technology that enhances donor experience and operational excellenceManage budgets aligned with revenue strategy and organizational prioritiesShare clear data and forecasting updates with the Executive Team and Board leadershipPerformance ExpectationsDrive an ambitious multi-year revenue acceleration, including doubling annual contributed revenue from approximately $2M in FY25 to $4M within four yearsOther specific targets will be determined collaboratively with the CDO based on opportunity and data.RequirementsRequirementsDemonstrated success in building and leading multi-year fundraising strategies, especially major giftsProven leadership of high-performing teams and strong organizational culture influenceSkill and excitement in periods of growth, evolution, and transformationOutstanding communication and relationship-building skillsStrong financial and data analysis abilitiesSalesforce NPSP experience strongly preferredBachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferredMinimum 12 years in nonprofit fundraising, including 7+ years leading high-performing development teams and achieving comparable revenue targetsCompensation & BenefitsExpected first-year compensation of $203,500–$220,000, consisting of a base salary of $185,000–$200,000 and a 10% retention bonus at the 1st anniversary date; commensurate with experience and qualifications.Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance403(b) retirement planGenerous PTO, paid holidays, and professional developmentA mission-driven culture where joyful service and courageous leadership thriveWork Environment & LocationBased at Vivalon’s two San Rafael offices: our administrative office at 930 Tamalpais and the newly opened Healthy Aging Campus at 999 3rd Street Hybrid flexibility is available following a successful ramp-up periodTypical schedule includes 1–2 days per week, remote once internal and donor relationships are establishedLocal travel throughout Marin County and the Bay Area is required for donor engagementWhy This Role & Why NowShape the philanthropic future of a beloved community institution at a moment of high importancePartner with a CEO who is an active, skilled, and influential fundraiserLead the development and marketing engines that will fuel stability and bold expansionHelp transform Vivalon into a premier healthy-aging nonprofit known for impact and connectionThis Role Is Not About Maintenance.It is about building something remarkable.You will have the authority, partnership, and runway to unleash your greatest strengths.