Big Wave Group: Director of Philanthropy
Big Wave Group is looking for a Director of Philanthropy. This role is designed for a highly experienced fundraiser who can provide strategic leadership while also being actively involved in cultivating donor relationships and pursuing funding opportunities. It is intentionally structured as a lean, part-time position that emphasizes high-impact fundraising efforts over administrative tasks. The Director of Philanthropy will be the lead fundraising staff member at Big Wave Group, focusing mainly on major gifts, foundation relations, donor stewardship, grant development, and Board engagement.
About Big Wave Group:
Big Wave Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities, lifelong housing, and a strong sense of community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
After more than two decades of visioning, advocacy, fundraising, and community partnership, Big Wave is opening a first-of-its-kind inclusive community on the San Mateo Coast. The newly constructed 50,000-square-foot Big Wave Center will provide permanent housing for 40 adults with IDD while serving as a regional destination for recreation, employment, education, and community engagement.
The campus includes accessible housing, a Culinary & Catering Academy, day program and vocational training space, fitness and recreation facilities, community gathering spaces, and a five-acre farm that provides vocational opportunities, enrichment, and community connection.
More than a housing development, Big Wave represents a transformative model for inclusion and lifelong support. As the organization transitions from construction into full operations, Big Wave is entering a pivotal period focused on long-term sustainability, program expansion, and community impact.
Responsibilities
Partner with the Executive Director to establish annual fundraising priorities and goals.
Develop strategies to diversify and strengthen philanthropic revenue.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects.
Identify and pursue foundation, corporate, and institutional funding opportunities.
Prepare or oversee grant proposals, reports, and funding requests.
Support Board members in fundraising and relationship-building activities.
Assist with donor meetings, presentations, and cultivation opportunities.
Provide guidance regarding donor stewardship and recognition strategies.
Monitor fundraising progress and provide recommendations to leadership.
What This Role Is Not
This role is intentionally focused on strategy, donor engagement, and revenue generation. The Director of Philanthropy will not be expected to serve as a full development department or spend significant time on routine administrative tasks such as data entry, mailings, newsletter production, social media management, or event logistics.
Qualifications
7 + years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, and foundation funding.
Experience working directly with nonprofit executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently in a small, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment.
Experience developing fundraising strategies and donor cultivation plans.
Familiarity with Bay Area philanthropy and donor networks strongly preferred.
Experience with donor CRM systems; Bloomerang experience is a plus.
Compensation
Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $75–$115 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and engagement structure. Big Wave Group is open to an independent contractor (1099) or employee arrangement for the right candidate.
Approximately 10–20 hours per week (targeting approximately 15 hours per week).
Hybrid schedule with a combination of remote work, donor meetings, and occasional on-site presence.
Flexible scheduling based on organizational priorities.
Occasional evening or weekend events.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and a writing sample (preferably a grant narrative, donor appeal, or funding proposal) to jobs@bigwaveproject.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and the position remains open until filled. We are highly motivated to have our new Director of Philanthropy begin as soon as possible.