Job Description

Description

Vivalon is a mission-driven Marin nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized ten times as a Best Place to Work in the North Bay, we are proud to foster a compassionate, innovative, and supportive workplace culture. As a $20 million organization and the largest nonprofit in Marin County supporting older adults and people with disabilities, we help people stay active, nourished, connected, and supported while ensuring access to essential transportation. Our core services include Rides, Meals, Classes, Care, and Advice.

Vivalon is at a pivotal moment that requires a philanthropy-focused financial turnaround. With our transformative new Healthy Aging Campus now open, the community's needs far exceeding current capacity, and philanthropy being the decisive factor in what is possible next, this is a rare opportunity to help lead both stability and expansion.

Philanthropy isnt supporting the strategy it is the strategy.

To drive this work, we are seeking a bold, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer who is inspired by urgency, relevance, and measurable results. You will partner closely with a CEO who is a strong closer an experienced public speaker and relationship builder who has personally secured dozens of six-figure gifts. This is a leadership partnership built for acceleration and success.

Essential Functions

Comprehensive Fundraising & Marketing Strategy

• Design and lead an ambitious multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growth
• Strengthen and innovate all donor channels major gifts, corporate, foundation, digital, and community giving
• Drive external visibility and demand through compelling marketing and communications that amplify impact and scale
• Partner with a fundraising-forward CEO to cultivate and close high-value donor relationships
• Represent Vivalon as a compelling storyteller, community ambassador, and strategic ally to partners and funders

Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy

• Help lead Vivalons marketing staff to:
  • Create a bold brand and marketing strategy that significantly expands Vivalons visibility and reputation
  • Ensure clear, cohesive messaging across fundraising, programs, media, and events
  • Strengthen digital presence, storytelling, and content that drive donor engagement and community activation
  • Use analytics to prioritize investment and maximize marketing ROI
  • Position Vivalon as a trusted leader in the fields of healthy aging, social connection, and supporting adults with disabilities across the region

Executive Leadership Planning & Strategy

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic priorities and long-term vision
• Build alignment and philanthropic engagement throughout the organization
• Provide strategic guidance and fundraising insights to the CEO and Board
• Define and lead Board fundraising expectations, building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed for meaningful philanthropic engagement
• Champion a culture of philanthropic ownership across leadership and staff

Team Management & Mentorship

• Lead and grow a high-performing development and marketing team
• Foster collaboration, innovation, learning, and shared accountability
• Ensure operational structure and coaching that enable team success

Donor-Centered Strategy

• Advance a relationship-first philosophy that builds long-term donor trust and investment
• Create comprehensive stewardship approaches that celebrate impact
• Strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure Board members are confident and engaged fundraising partners
• Support the Board with clear expectations, tools, and coaching to increase year-over-year philanthropic participation

Systems & Infrastructure

• Maintain strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and analytics
• Utilize technology that enhances donor experience and operational excellence
• Manage budgets aligned with revenue strategy and organizational priorities
• Share clear data and forecasting updates with the Executive Team and Board leadership

Performance Expectations

• Drive an ambitious multi-year revenue acceleration, including doubling annual contributed revenue from approximately $2M in FY25 to $4M within four years

Other specific targets will be determined collaboratively with the CDO based on opportunity and data.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in building and leading multi-year fundraising strategies, especially major gifts
• Proven leadership of high-performing teams and strong organizational culture influence
• Skill and excitement in periods of growth, evolution, and transformation
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong financial and data analysis abilities
• Salesforce NPSP experience strongly preferred
• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 12 years in nonprofit fundraising, including 7+ years leading high-performing development teams and achieving comparable revenue targets

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected first-year compensation of $203,500$220,000, consisting of a base salary of $185,000$200,000 and a 10% retention bonus at the 1st anniversary date; commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and professional development
• A mission-driven culture where joyful service and courageous leadership thrive

Work Environment & Location

• Based at Vivalons two San Rafael offices: our administrative office at 930 Tamalpais and the newly opened Healthy Aging Campus at 999 3rd Street
• Hybrid flexibility is available following a successful ramp-up period
• Typical schedule includes 12 days per week, remote once internal and donor relationships are established
• Local travel throughout Marin County and the Bay Area is required for donor engagement

Why This Role & Why Now

• Shape the philanthropic future of a beloved community institution at a moment of high importance
• Partner with a CEO who is an active, skilled, and influential fundraiser
• Lead the development and marketing engines that will fuel stability and bold expansion
• Help transform Vivalon into a premier healthy-aging nonprofit known for impact and connection

This Role Is Not About Maintenance.

It is about building something remarkable.

You will have the authority, partnership, and runway to unleash your greatest strengths.

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