Foundation Director Jobs in California
Foundation Director jobs in California are in strong demand, with the state representing one of the most active markets in the country for this role, concentrated in philanthropy, higher education, hospital systems, and large nonprofit networks at every level from associate director through chief executive. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego anchor most of the hiring, with major institutions like Kaiser Permanente, the University of California system, and the California Community Foundation regularly maintaining foundation director openings. The most sought-after specialties include healthcare philanthropy, capital campaign leadership, and community health foundation management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Located in one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, St. Helena Hospital was founded in 1878 and has a rich history of innovative medical care. We are comprised of a 151-bed hospital, emergency department and medical offices with centers of excellence in specialty care, including Adventist Heart and Vascular Institute, Coon Joint Replacement Institute, Martin-O'Neil Cancer Center and Behavioral Health units. In the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena is a charming place, and the quality of life is unsurpassed with outdoor adventure, rejuvenation at luxurious spas, popular restaurants, as well as perfect weekend getaways to San Francisco or the coast.
Job Summary:
Maintains responsibility for all fund development, including the planning and implementation of Foundation activities to maximize philanthropic support. Formulates and implements strategies for securing annual, major and planned gifts, as well as grants, capital campaigns, donor stewardship, acquisition and retention, special events and volunteers. Supervises and directs the activities of various levels of assigned personnel using both professional and supervisory discretion and independent judgment.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Required
- Master's Degree: Preferred
- Seven years' fundraising experience: Preferred
- Five years' leadership experience: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) accreditation: Preferred
Essential Functions:
- Maintains a culture of philanthropy. Provides strategy and direction for short and long-term initiatives of the Foundation. Grows annual giving and program revenues. Oversees the identification and pursuit of major donors. Oversees the strategic use of prospect and donor database.
- Works to ensure community engagement and oversees all areas of fund development. Works in close collaboration with Executive Team, leadership, volunteers, board members and donors to increase giving.
- Supervises and directs Board members and volunteers, and philanthropy personnel. Oversees support staff.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Organizational Requirements:
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.
Located in one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, St. Helena Hospital was founded in 1878 and has a rich history of innovative medical care. We are comprised of a 151-bed hospital, emergency department and medical offices with centers of excellence in specialty care, including Adventist Heart and Vascular Institute, Coon Joint Replacement Institute, Martin-O'Neil Cancer Center and Behavioral Health units. In the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena is a charming place, and the quality of life is unsurpassed with outdoor adventure, rejuvenation at luxurious spas, popular restaurants, as well as perfect weekend getaways to San Francisco or the coast.
Job Summary:
Maintains responsibility for all fund development, including the planning and implementation of Foundation activities to maximize philanthropic support. Formulates and implements strategies for securing annual, major and planned gifts, as well as grants, capital campaigns, donor stewardship, acquisition and retention, special events and volunteers. Supervises and directs the activities of various levels of assigned personnel using both professional and supervisory discretion and independent judgment.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Required
- Master's Degree: Preferred
- Seven years' fundraising experience: Preferred
- Five years' leadership experience: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) accreditation: Preferred
Essential Functions:
- Maintains a culture of philanthropy. Provides strategy and direction for short and long-term initiatives of the Foundation. Grows annual giving and program revenues. Oversees the identification and pursuit of major donors. Oversees the strategic use of prospect and donor database.
- Works to ensure community engagement and oversees all areas of fund development. Works in close collaboration with Executive Team, leadership, volunteers, board members and donors to increase giving.
- Supervises and directs Board members and volunteers, and philanthropy personnel. Oversees support staff.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Organizational Requirements:
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.
See All 16 Foundation Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Foundation Director JobsFoundation Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Foundation Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in foundation director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field
- Demonstrated major gifts fundraising experience with a history of closing five- and six-figure donations
- Familiarity with California nonprofit compliance requirements and state charitable registration rules
- Proficiency with donor management software such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce Nonprofit, or similar platforms
- Experience leading strategic planning, board relations, and foundation governance in California organizations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant reporting, donor stewardship, and public representation
Foundation Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a foundation director in California?
Most foundation director roles in California require at least a bachelor's degree, with many employers preferring a master's in nonprofit management, public administration, or business administration. There is no state-issued license for this role, but California nonprofits expect familiarity with the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts, which oversees charitable organizations operating in the state. Strong candidates typically advance through fundraising, program management, or grant administration roles at California foundations or hospital systems before stepping into director-level positions.
How much do foundation directors make in California?
Foundation directors in California earn a median of about $135,870 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $84,730 for the lowest 10% to over $257,500 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire foundation directors in California?
Employers hiring foundation directors in California right now include CHOC Children's, California State University, and FIGS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's density of major hospital networks, research universities, and community foundations means hiring is broad across the public, private nonprofit, and health system sectors.
Which California cities have the most foundation director jobs?
Orange, Los Angeles, and Fresno have the most foundation director openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its concentration of hospital foundations, arts endowments, and community nonprofits, while San Francisco's philanthropic sector is anchored by technology-sector family foundations and major health systems, and San Diego's activity reflects its large university and biomedical research presence.
Are there remote foundation director jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since foundation directors frequently attend donor events, board meetings, and community engagements in person. About 67% of foundation director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with most flexibility found in grant strategy, donor communications, and foundation operations rather than frontline relationship management.
How can I get hired as a foundation director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a development associate or major gifts coordinator role at a California hospital foundation, community foundation, or large nonprofit. University of California campus foundations and health systems such as Cedars-Sinai and UCSF regularly hire entry-level development staff who build toward director roles. Earning a Certificate in Fundraising Management or completing a fellowship through the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden State chapters strengthens candidates without prior director experience considerably.
Where can I find and apply to foundation director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to foundation director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers across the state. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 16 Foundation Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Foundation Director Jobs