Enriching Lives Through Music: Director of Development

Enriching Lives Through Music is on the lookout for a Director of Development to join their team. This role, reporting directly to the Executive Director, involves managing a full-time Development Manager and a contract Grant Writer, as well as collaborating closely with the board, the dedicated development committee, the capital campaign chair, and the Director of Finance and Administration. This is a remarkable opportunity to become part of a cherished organization poised for significant growth, working alongside a passionate team dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of music to promote joy, family, and equity.

About Enriching Lives Through Music:

Enriching Lives through Music (ELM) is a tuition-free program that supports children and youth from the underserved Canal neighborhood in San Rafael, primarily focused on first-generation immigrant families. By providing a structured musical and academic pathway starting at age nine, ELM prepares students for high school graduation and college success, while fostering discipline and leadership skills in an inclusive community. With a newly acquired 7,400 square foot facility, ELM is seeking a development leader to enhance fundraising efforts and expand its impact, aiming to deepen community engagement and secure its future growth.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Development Leadership - 50%

  • Design and lead the implementation of a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy to expand ELM’s donor base and meet organizational revenue goals, including managing institutional, individual/major gifts, and corporate proposals and reporting

  • Manage and mentor a development team—including a full-time Development Manager and contract Grant Writer—while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth

  • Oversee donor stewardship efforts, including annual appeals, ongoing communications, and cultivation events

  • Maintain high standards for data integrity in the CRM and ensure timely gift acknowledgment, donor recognition, and accurate reporting

Campaign Leadership - 50%

  • Work with the Executive Director and board to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospective campaign supporters, managing a portfolio and ensuring personalized and strategic engagement

  • Serve as lead staff member on the capital campaign team, collaborating closely with campaign chair, consultants, the Executive Director, board members, and campaign advisory committee to drive planning, execution, and donor engagement

  • Monitor fundraising performance and prepare regular progress reports for the board and campaign team

  • Partner with the Executive Director and board leadership to activate and support volunteer fundraisers and leverage peer networks

Qualifications

  • Passion for equity-focused, mission-driven work and a commitment to inclusive philanthropy

  • 7+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with a strong track record in securing major gifts and cultivating long-term donor relationships

  • Ideal candidates will bring previous capital campaign experience from planning, launching, and running a campaign

  • Strong leadership and project management skills with a keen attention to detail, including experience supervising staff or consultants and high level of comfort with working independently

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in individual donor communications and broadscale messaging

  • Familiarity with fundraising CRMs such as Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang, or similar platforms

  • Proven ability to design and implement effective donor stewardship practices, recognition strategies, and persuasive cases for support

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred; a combination of education and relevant experience will be considered. An advanced degree or CFRE is highly valued.

Compensation

  • This role offers a salary in the range of $135,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience, along with a benefits package that includes health benefits, paid time off, retirement plan, and commuter benefits. We also offer schedule flexibility, including hybrid work options to support both personal well-being, work/life balance and professional excellence.

To Apply

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Susannah Sallin, Search Consultant to Nonprofits, with subject line “Director of Development” and send to apply@sallinsearch.com. No calls, please. We will respond to all applicants, thank you.