Foundation Director Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

Under the general guidance of the Vice President of Community Relations & Business Development, this position is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, ongoing development, promotion, fundraising, and operations of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation, including its programs, donor engagement efforts, community partnerships, governance support, and signature events.

Leads the development and execution of fundraising strategies, donor cultivation initiatives, sponsorship opportunities, impact storytelling, and community investment programs that advance the Foundation’s mission and support California Coast Credit Union’s broader values-based strategy and financial inclusion objectives.

Collaborates cross-functionally with Community Relations, Business Development, Financial Fitness, Marketing, branch operations, and executive leadership to strengthen Foundation visibility, expand community engagement, increase fundraising outcomes, and enhance organizational impact throughout the communities served by the credit union.

DIMENSIONS:

Develops and advances strategies that support the fundraising, community impact, and growth objectives of both the Cal Coast Cares Foundation and California Coast Credit Union through partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and corporate sponsors.

• Cultivates and maintains relationships with current and prospective donors, sponsors, community stakeholders, and philanthropic organizations. Supports engagement and communications with a Foundation database of more than 1,000 contacts.
• Leads fundraising activities, donor cultivation initiatives, and signature Foundation events, including events with more than 200 attendees and executive-level community participation.
• Oversees the administration, selection process, and distribution of more than 150 scholarship and educator grant awards annually, while supporting strategic enhancements to improve program impact and visibility.
• Influences the perceived value, visibility, and community impact of credit union’s brand through strategic community engagement, storytelling, and Foundation initiatives.
• Collaborates closely with executive leadership, internal departments, and community partners to strengthen fundraising efforts, expand Foundation awareness, and support organizational priorities across the communities served by the credit union.
• Represents the Foundation and the credit union at networking events, community meetings, donor engagements, and civic functions throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Community Relations & Business Development and operates with a high degree of independence in managing Foundation strategy, fundraising initiatives, donor engagement efforts, governance coordination, and community partnerships.

This position does not currently have direct reports but is responsible for leading cross-functional collaboration, coordinating volunteers and committees, and influencing internal and external stakeholders in support of Foundation objectives.

NATURE & SCOPE:

Responsible for developing and executing annual strategic plans, fundraising priorities, operational goals, and budgets for the Cal Coast Cares Foundation. Monitors progress toward established goals and provides periodic reporting on outcomes and impact.

• Develops and implements donor cultivation, sponsorship, and fundraising strategies designed to strengthen long-term Foundation growth and community impact. Identifies and cultivates relationships with prospective donors, sponsors, grant opportunities, and community partners.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships within the nonprofit, education, business, and philanthropic sectors to expand Foundation awareness, engagement, and support.
• Oversees all aspects of the Foundation’s scholarship, educator grant, and community investment programs, including application processes, award distribution, communications, and ongoing program enhancements.
• Researches, develops, and implements new Foundation initiatives, fundraising opportunities, and community partnerships aligned with organizational priorities and community needs. Evaluates effectiveness and recommends strategic improvements.
• Responsible for the planning, oversight, and execution of Foundation fundraising events and donor engagement activities, including the annual golf tournament and other signature initiatives. Supports major organizational and community events as needed.
• Supports governance coordination for the Cal Coast Cares Foundation Board of Directors and related committees, including agenda planning, meeting preparation, board communications, and presentation of reports and updates.
• Collaborates closely with Community Relations, Business Development, Financial Fitness, Marketing, Branch Operations, and executive leadership to strengthen Foundation integration, storytelling, fundraising efforts, and community impact.
• Develops strategic communications and impact storytelling for donors, sponsors, employees, community partners, and other key stakeholders through presentations, newsletters, digital platforms, and promotional materials.
• Researches, writes, and supports grant applications and funding proposals to secure additional Foundation resources and expand community impact initiatives.
• Represents the Foundation and California Coast Credit Union at networking events, meetings, civic functions, and community engagements to strengthen relationships, increase visibility, and support organizational growth and reputation.
• Researches and resolves issues, concerns, and sensitive matters involving Foundation stakeholders, community partners, donors, or related programs in a professional and solutions-oriented manner.
• Performs other relevant and related duties as required.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

The Eight Superpowers

Provides leadership through modeling of behaviors and bringing forward new ideas and new ways of doing things.

• Demonstrates empathy, self-reflection, and adjustment of own behaviors, showing effective emotional intelligence.
• Practices active listening in communications with others, giving someone full attention and listening to understand, not just respond.
• Demonstrates grit, persisting in application of knowledge, skills, and behaviors to achieve goals and address obstacles.
• Models intrinsic motivation; is self-driven to meet or exceed objectives, timelines, and quality measures while building and sustaining effective relationships.
• Applies creative problem-solving to provide clarity, handle resources under one’s control, and address stressful situations; finds ways to meet individual, team, and member goals, by navigating through barriers.
• Shares a diverse set of perspectives, work and life experiences, as well as religious and cultural differences. Actively seeks out differences in values, ideas, and priorities. Respects and values the differences of others, including but not limited to: national origin, language, race, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and family structures. Believes a diverse workplace is essential to the company’s success.
• Values and shows appreciation for the unique qualities and experiences of each person; appreciates and effectively utilizes the talents and skills of others to achieve objectives; is open to the perspective of others; and encourages collaboration, flexibility and fairness. Makes each employee feel valued and supported for their unique qualities.

Other Education, Skills, and Abilities

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related discipline, plus a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, foundation management, community relations, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, sponsorship development, and community partnership management required. Grant writing and grant management experience required.
• Proven experience planning and executing successful fundraising events, donor engagement activities, and community initiatives required.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, including executive-level business writing, presentation development, facilitation, and public speaking abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively engage executive leadership, board members, donors, community stakeholders, volunteers, and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate concisely, think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and proactively drive initiatives from concept through execution.
• Experience developing impact storytelling, donor communications, social media content, and community engagement strategies preferred.
• Experience with donor management systems, fundraising platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and digital collaboration tools preferred.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to leverage emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve strategic planning, communications, donor engagement, operational efficiency, and storytelling effectiveness preferred.
• Working knowledge of financial institution products, services, and community engagement strategies preferred.
• Ability to operate standard business equipment and technology tools required.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle; requires a valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Develops and executes strategic plans, fundraising initiatives, and operational goals that support the growth, sustainability, and community impact objectives of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation.

• Responsible for monitoring progress toward established goals, maintaining budget oversight, and providing periodic reporting on outcomes and impact.
• Leads donor cultivation, sponsorship development, grant support efforts, and fundraising strategies designed to strengthen Foundation revenue growth and long-term community investment. Builds and maintains relationships with donors, sponsors, executive stakeholders, community leaders, and philanthropic organizations.
• Plans and executes Foundation fundraising events, donor engagement activities, and community initiatives, including the annual golf tournament and other signature events. Collaborates cross-functionally to support organizational outreach and community engagement efforts.
• Supports governance coordination for the Cal Coast Cares Foundation Board of Directors and related committees, including agenda planning, preparation of reports and presentations, board communications, and facilitation of strategic discussions and engagement opportunities.
• Oversees all aspects of the Foundation’s scholarship, educator grant, and community investment programs, including application processes, award distribution, stakeholder communications, and continuous program enhancements designed to improve visibility, accessibility, and impact.
• Researches, develops, and implements new Foundation initiatives, fundraising opportunities, strategic partnerships, and community engagement efforts aligned with organizational priorities and community needs. Evaluates effectiveness and recommends improvements based on measurable outcomes and impact.
• Develops strategic communications, donor engagement materials, impact storytelling, newsletters, presentations, and promotional content that strengthen Foundation awareness, donor engagement, and community visibility. Collaborates with Marketing, Community Relations, Business Development, Financial Fitness, and branch operations to support branding and outreach efforts.

Physical Requirements:

- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in both office and community settings with frequent local travel required.

Regular attendance at meetings, community events, networking functions, and occasional evening or weekend activities is required.

Position may require movement of event materials and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.

Subject to standard office, event, traffic, and weather conditions associated with local travel and community engagement activities.

Note: Staff is expected to perform various tasks, projects and administrative duties as assigned. Management reserves the right to assign or change duties and tasks to this position at their discretion.

Salary Range (annually)

$130,813.65 - $163,517.07