Director of Development and Fundraising (Volunteer)

Overview 

Seeds of Hope Silicon Valley (SoHSV) is a non-profit organization focused on addressing homelessness in Santa Clara County. The Board of Directors of SoHSV seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director in our mission to build a community of permanent homes for up to 1,000 chronically homeless neighbors. 

We are leading the effort to bring the innovative model called Community First Village from Austin, Texas to  the Bay Area. Be a part of this transformational approach to  successfully provide our homeless neighbors with a place they can call home and peacefully pursue their lives with meaning and joy. 

Join the work to transform lives! 

SoHSV is an organization that values diversity and an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We are committed to ensuring equity in all employment policies, procedures, and decisions. 

About The Role

Seeds of Hope Silicon Valley is seeking an experienced and passionate Director of Development & Fundraising (Volunteer) to lead and grow our philanthropic impact. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a proven background in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations who wants to make a significant difference in the lives of unhoused individuals.

As our Development Director, you will work closely with the Board, Executive Director, and volunteers to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with an annual goal of raising $2–$10 million. You will lead all fundraising initiatives—including grant proposals, donor communications, events, and corporate giving—and play a central role in building a long-term culture of philanthropy.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Fundraising Strategy & Donor Development

  • Create and implement an annual development plan and fundraising strategy to meet a $2 million+ budget.

  • Design and implement a comprehensive donor pipeline: identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, foundations, and corporations.

  • Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, including recurring and planned giving.

  • Write compelling grant proposals, reports, and budgets, independently or collaboratively with team members.

  • Develop and execute donor engagement plans; write thank-you letters, appeals, and donor communications.

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to secure major gifts and sponsorships.

• Events & Corporate Engagement

  • Plan and execute signature fundraising events and coordinate several smaller donor gatherings throughout the year.

  • Design a strategy to solicit corporate sponsorships and donations for events and general support.

• Systems & Operations

  • Maintain accurate records for grants management and audit purposes.

  • Manage and improve development systems and processes, including CRM/database management, gift processing, and data entry.

  • Monitor and report on key fundraising performance metrics and revenue projections.

  • Ensure compliance and best practices in donor stewardship and funder reporting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, and donor cultivation (required).

• Exceptional writing, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

• Comfortable soliciting and stewarding gifts of $1,000–$25,000+.

• Proficient in donor management systems like Classy and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.

• Experience planning and managing fundraising events and corporate sponsorships.

• Familiarity with foundations and institutional fundraising in the Bay Area is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Business, Communications, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).

  • Relevant experience can be substituted for formal education.

Time Commitment

• Estimated 5–10 hours per week, depending on events and campaign phases.

• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred.