Chief Development Officer

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is seeking an accomplished fundraising professional to serve as Chief Development Officer. As a member of the executive leadership team, and in conjunction with the CEO, the Chief Development Officer is SFSB’s strategic fundraising leader, focused on development strategy, high-level stakeholder engagement, stewardship of major and principal gift relationships, and identifying new philanthropic revenue opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

· Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes various philanthropic efforts, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, planned giving, annual giving, donor stewardship, and campaign strategy to support the SFSB’s mission and strategic goals.

· Develop and execute personalized donor engagement plans using a structured moves management approach to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major and principal donors, foundations, and corporations, driving sustained and increased giving.

· Lead and oversee the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications, ensuring timely submissions and alignment with funder priorities.

· Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising capacity and engagement. Support Board members in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

· Staff the Board Development Committee and provide strategic guidance on fundraising initiatives.

· Prepare fundraising reports, forecasts, and presentations for the Board and executive leadership.

· Work with the Chief Communications Officer on the marketing and communications efforts related to development, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals, consistent brand messaging, and compelling outreach that engages donors and elevates SFSB’s public profile.

· Serve as a liaison with estate planning attorneys, wealth managers, and other advisors, communicating the benefits of utilizing SFSB.

· Manage, mentor, and support direct reports with a keen focus on their professional growth, development, and performance.

· Manage and analyze development data and donor databases to track progress, inform strategy, and ensure accurate reporting.

· Represent SFSB at public events and engage with high-level external stakeholders to enhance visibility and build strategic partnerships.

· Participates in ongoing training and professional development, including staying well-informed of industry trends.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

· Deep commitment to SFSB’s mission of higher education for all. Understands the legacy of SFSB and brings a strong connection to North and South Santa Barbara County and the surrounding communities.

· A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree and/or CFRE certification is desirable.

· Seven to ten years of fundraising experience at the leadership level, including fundraising operations and strategy development.

· Experience with scholarship organizations, higher education, or youth-serving nonprofits preferred.

· A successful track record in fundraising, stewarding, and diversifying funding sources such as individual giving, events, grants, endowments, capital giving, and other partnerships.

· Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.

· Minimum of five years of supervisory experience with a proven ability to lead, mentor, and build inclusive, high-performing teams.

· Demonstrated success in building effective partnerships across geographically and socioeconomically diverse regions, with the cultural competency to engage and inspire a broad range of high-level stakeholders, including donors, board members, businesses, elected officials, and community leaders.

· Exceptional verbal and written communication and storytelling; persuasive in donor communications, marketing collateral, and grant writing; able to convey complex concepts with clarity and inspiration.

· Highly empathetic, exhibiting sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.

· Skilled in donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect, Kaleidoscope).

· Capable of interpreting and communicating IRS regulations, charitable giving rules, and investment concepts to donors and stakeholders.

· Strong team player who thrives in cross-functional environments and works well with Boards and organizational leadership.

To apply, please send your resume to:

Sarah Thompson, Senior Director, Blair Search Partners

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