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Application Instructions:

• Position open until filled, first review by January 12th
• Interested candidates should complete our application and submit a resume and cover letter (PDF format, file name: “LastName, FirstName, OBCA, DoD”)

Position Description

OBCA is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative leader to join our dynamic team and serve as our Director of Development. Reporting to the Executive Director, the DoD will lead our Development team, and will oversee all aspects of contributed revenue development, including major donors, foundations, community, and corporate funding. 

This is both a strategic and hands-on role. The DoD will expand and drive a comprehensive development program and team: cultivate their own donor portfolio, close significant gifts, develop systems and materials, and lay the foundation for future revenue growth. 

The ideal candidate:

• Brings a minimum of six years of fundraising experience 
• Has a track record of securing major gifts
• Is a strong relationship builder
• Is an effective, highly collaborative team leader and mentor
• Leads with clarity
• Has the mindset of a systems builder
• Has a deep passion for the transformative power of experiential outdoor learning

Compensation & Schedule

• This is a full time,  remote, exempt salaried position. The expected salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000.

Benefits

• OBCA offers comprehensive health insurance with a generous employer contribution, PTO, long-term disability and life insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Plan, Accident Insurance, and 401(k) plan enrollment after 1 year from start date with the potential for an employer match.

Location

• The Director of Development will work remotely.  Candidates based in the greater San Francisco Bay Area are strongly preferred, though exceptional candidates located elsewhere in California will be considered. Regular travel to OBCA basecamps, program sites, and administrative/board meetings will be required as needed.  Occasional night and weekend work may be required.

Who We Are:

Outward Bound California (OBCA) is a nonprofit educational organization with a core mission of changing lives through challenge and discovery. Its programs develop character, build leadership skills, and support self-discovery in remote wilderness settings and urban green spaces. 

OBCA, based in San Francisco, brings the life-changing experiences of the Outward Bound educational model to participants from California, across the United States, and beyond. OBCA strives to provide equitable and inclusive programming and is continuously working to design culturally relevant and responsive experiences for all participants. As a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to its programming, OBCA provides scholarships to over half of the students who attend its courses and partners with more than 60 community groups and schools. 

OBCA is part of a network of nine Outward Bound schools in the United States and is one of 45 Outward Bound schools worldwide. Building on 35 years of Outward Bound history in California, OBCA currently serves over 3,500 people annually from program locations in the High Sierra, Bay Area, and the Joshua Tree National Park area. A talented staff of 25 and up to 50 seasonal employees lead these challenging outdoor courses that result in transformational learning and growth experiences for participants. OBCA offers a wide range of programs, from one-day experiences on their San Francisco Challenge Ropes Course to multi-day rock climbing and backpacking courses for ages 12 and up, including adults, veterans, LGBTQ+ participants, schools, professional groups, and aspiring outdoor educators. 

With an annual revenue of $4.5M, OBCA’s financial model balances fundraised and earned revenue. With new leadership, OBCA is laser-focused on building a sustainable business model, with significant strides towards the goal in 2025.  Total funds raised in 2025 exceeded $2M. Additionally, OBCA is actively investing in its basecamp facilities, including identifying significant funds to support its new Joshua Tree basecamp. 

Who You Are

We are seeking an experienced nonprofit fundraiser with a passion for lifelong growth through challenge – outside. 

Required Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• 6+ years of progressive experience in professional fund development, with demonstrated, measurable success in a leadership capacity
• Proven success in directly soliciting and closing five-figure and higher contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Working knowledge of capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment strategies
• Experience in fundraising for education, positive youth development or outdoor learning
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and donor database management (knowledge of SalesForce is a plus)
• Adept at managing teams, providing mentorship, and cultivating staff success 
• Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors

Other Requirements 

• Because we work with youth, staff must be willing to authorize a criminal & Live Scan background check upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
• Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time

Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Serve as the chief fundraising strategist, working directly with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to set OBCA’s overarching philanthropic direction($2M+ annually)
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, mentorship, and performance of the Development team, including the Development Officer, Grants and Data Manager, and Marketing and Communications Manager

• Participate as a core member of the organization’s senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and operational excellence
• Develop an annual and a three-year Development Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Development team, Executive Director and Senior Leadership
• Work collaboratively with Outward Bound USA, leveraging national initiatives at the local level
• Manage the Development Committee of the Board and partner with the Board to leverage connections,  maximize opportunities, and direct the Board Campaign
• Provide clear reporting, strategy updates, and engagement opportunities

Major Gifts and Donor Cultivation

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Board leadership, and Development Committee to expand major donor pipeline by leveraging networks and prospect research
• Oversee and organize all aspects of major gifts fundraising, including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Build and manage a portfolio of donors/prospects to meet annual fundraising goals 
• Support the Executive Director’s major gifts fundraising efforts
• Develop recognition opportunities including leadership circle for legacy donors
• Engage in donor research and work with development team to create donor profiles for major donors
• In collaboration with the development team, plan and manage small to mid-size donor events

Institutional and Corporate Funding  

• Oversee strategy for foundation grants, working closely with the Executive Director, the Grants Manager, and the Program Team to guide grant proposal development
• Develop and implement strategies to grow OBCA’s corporate giving program
• Collaborate with the leader of Outward Bound Professional to leverage corporate funding opportunities

Planned Giving

• Rejuvenate the organization's planned giving program
• Oversee the Marketing and Communications Manager in creating compelling communication tools

Data, Finance and Systems Management

• Leverage the donor database (SalesForce) to analyze giving trends, track relationships, and inform strategy
• Oversee monthly financial reports to track the annual budget and funding stream goals
• Partner with Finance Department to ensure accurate tracking and reporting
• Oversee the refinement of fundraising reports including the monthly finance report

Communications and Donor Engagement

• In collaboration with the Communications Manager and other team members oversee the creation of donor-facing communications, including newsletters, social media, direct mail, and email appeals
• Ensure that social media and digital communication tools are used strategically to expand OBCA’s reach and donor engagement

Team Strategy and Management Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership and guidance to Development team members, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and revenue growth
• Supervise and set clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback and professional development opportunities for three direct reports.
• Regularly convene Development team to review progress to date, align on current execution of strategies, act on emerging opportunities and address challenges in achieving goals 
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes collaboration, engagement and professionalism
• Help to build an organization-wide culture of philanthropy

Safety and Risk Management

• Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect as protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority  
• Support in critical incident responses, which may require after work hours and happen during scheduled time off

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Outward Bound California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Outward Bound California also promotes respect for all people, and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.