Director of Individual Giving bei Peninsula Open Space Trust

Director of Individual Giving

About Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)

POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. POST is creating a network of protected lands where people and nature connect and thrive. These lands are preserved forever so present and future generations benefit from the careful balance of rural and urban landscapes that makes our region extraordinary.

Since its founding in 1977, POST has permanently protected more than 90,000 acres of open space, farms and parkland in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. POST brings together many organizations and individuals to ensure that open spaces are permanently protected, benefiting the community, the environment and the economy. From its complex transaction process to its robust approach to marketing and fundraising to coordinating with multiple public agency partners, POST takes a central, catalytic role in conservation projects, adjusting its approach based on each unique situation. Learn more about POST’s impact here.

LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA; Hybrid Role (2-4 days per week working in person either at our Palo Alto office, meeting with donors offsite or touring POST properties)

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Individual Giving reports to and partners with the Vice President of Development to design and implement strategies that grow and maximize individual contributed revenue. This role leads the execution of initiatives to expand and deepen POST’s annual, major, and campaign donor base, in close coordination with the Director of Annual Giving on overall pipeline strategy.

The Director has a team of six, maintains a personal portfolio of donors, and drives continuous innovation and operational improvements to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the fundraising team. 

• Salary Range is $173,880-$193,200
• Benefits include:
• POST provides basic medical coverage at no cost to the employee and contributes 50% of the cost for dependent coverage
• Premium employee vision and dental plans
• Life & AD&D insurance equal to one year’s salary (max. $140,000, paid for by POST)
• Long-and Short-Term Disability coverage paid for by POST
• Voluntary Life & AD&D insurance (the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for employee, spouse, or children up to certain maximums)
• Flexible Spending Account (Section 125 Plan)
• 15 vacation days per year in the first year, and 20 days per year following four years of employment
• Sick leave accrues at the rate of 12 days per year
• After one year of service, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave
• POST typically observes 12 paid holidays annually, plus one additional flex day per year
• 401(k) retirement plan, with 4% safe harbor contribution plus 4% match opportunity beginning after one year of service; contribution and match are vested immediately
• Free Caltrain Go Pass for unlimited rides and other commuter (parking & biking) benefits
• WellHub Fitness membership or wellness reimbursement
• Free access to our Modern Health wellness platform including 10 free coaching and 10 free clinical therapy sessions per year for staff and eligible dependents
• Flexible hours and hybrid work arrangements
• Cell phone/home internet stipend
• Dog-friendly office
• Hybrid Work: 2-4 days per week working in our Palo Alto office, in person with donors, or touring POST properties.

YOU ARE

●    A seasoned fundraising leader with a proven record of securing six-figure gifts, inspiring confidence among donors, and advancing ambitious philanthropic goals.

●    A collaborative team builder who thrives on developing, mentoring, and motivating staff to meet and exceed performance goals.

●    A strategic thinker with the ability to design and implement innovative donor engagement strategies that strengthen the giving pipeline.

●    A relationship-driven professional who communicates with clarity, authenticity, and warmth, cultivating trust with donors, colleagues, and partners.

●    A mission-driven individual with a deep commitment to conservation, open space protection, and the communities POST serves.

●    A flexible, hands-on leader who navigates complexity with ease, balancing big-picture vision with attention to operational details.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Director of Individual Giving reports to Vice President of Development and oversees a team of six including two Senior Philanthropy Officers, Senior Donor Engagement Manager, Donor Engagement Manager, Senior Manager, Donor Relations, and Development Assistant.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management – 65%

●    Lead the individual giving team by clarifying roles and responsibilities, fostering collaboration and team culture, establishing accountability measures, and ensuring alignment with performance goals.

●    Oversee smooth department operations, including procedures for donor pipeline management, qualification and research, portfolio tracking, data analysis, equitable donor engagement, budgeting, solicitations, and acknowledgments.

●    Lead the donor engagement team in the planning and execution of donor cultivation and stewardship events and maintain an annual stewardship and events calendar.

●    Contribute to the planning and execution of major giving and event strategies in preparation for POST’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

●    Carry out additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Fundraising – 35%

●    Manage a portfolio of 50 major and high-capacity donors, including select Board members, and coordinate engagement with prospects from their networks to help achieve an organization-wide revenue goal of more than $24M including an annual fund goal of $9M and capital goal of $5.25M.

●    Collaborate with the President and Vice President of Development on high-level fundraising strategies, campaigns and initiatives.

●    Stay current on charitable giving tax laws, regional issues relevant to POST’s mission, and the organization’s active land conservation projects.

●    Support the VP in the management of the Engagement Team (Development Committee) of board and non-board members who serve as volunteer advisors and ambassadors for POST’s fundraising efforts.

COMPETENCIES

●    Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in development, including managing frontline fundraisers to meet performance goals and overseeing development operations.

●    Deep knowledge and experience in annual and major gift fundraising with demonstrated success in raising annual gifts of $25,000 or more and campaign gifts of $250,000 or more.

●    Outgoing personality and professional presentation. Ease in juggling multiple responsibilities.

●    Event planning and marketing experience desired.

●    Excellent written and oral communications, interpersonal and presentation skills.

●    Knowledge of CRM software as it pertains to development; experience with Salesforce a plus.

●    Commitment to and knowledge of environmental and conservation issues.

●    College degree preferred, or a combination of work and life experience that provides a comparable level of skill and competence for the role.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

●    Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 

●    Must be able to drive.

●    Mobility to traverse uneven terrain at varying elevations and distances to facilitate joining or leading donor hikes and events on POST lands.

●    This position requires evening and weekend work.

●    Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

POST’s CORE VALUES:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate, and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create and maintain a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We believe diversity and equitable access are central to our mission to protect open space in our region for the benefit of all. POST is committed to creating an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter describing how you connect with our mission and why you are a great fit for this role. Applications without a cover letter will not receive the same consideration.

Please note – We are working with our search partner, Cook Silverman, on this opportunity. All applications should be sent directly to them by visiting their website posting here. Any applications submitted via POST’s Careers page will be forwarded to Cook Silverman for review.

All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.