Position: Development Manager, Regional Philanthropy
Reports to: Director of Development
Location: Sonoma County (hybrid)
Type: Exempt, Full-Time
Compensation: $80-90K Annually
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
OUR VALUES
-
Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
-
Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
-
Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Development Manager, Regional Philanthropy, serves as HomeFirst’s primary fundraising representative in Sonoma County, leading the strategy and execution of all regional philanthropic efforts. This role is responsible for building meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, civic leaders and community partners to expand HomeFirst’s visibility and philanthropic investment throughout the region.
As the region’s dedicated development professional, the Development Manager develops and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors, identifies new funding opportunities, represents HomeFirst throughout the community, and works closely with program leadership to connect philanthropic investment with community impact.
While this position operates independently within Sonoma County, it is fully supported by HomeFirst's centralized Development and Marketing & Communications teams and works in close collaboration with the Vice President, Sonoma County. The Development Manager partners closely with colleagues responsible for donor stewardship, events, appeals, marketing, grants, and communications to deliver an exceptional donor experience and advance HomeFirst's overall fundraising strategy.
This position is ideal for an entrepreneurial fundraiser who enjoys building relationships, creating opportunities, and serving as a visible ambassador for an organization making lasting community impact.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Regional Fundraising Strategy. Lead and implement HomeFirst’s fundraising strategy for Sonoma County. Responsibilities include:
Develop and execute an annual regional fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities.
Build a healthy pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.
Identify emerging philanthropic opportunities within Sonoma County.
Monitor fundraising performance and adjust strategies as needed.
Collaborate with Development leadership to establish annual fundraising goals and priorities.
Donor Relationship Management: Develop, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects. Responsibilities include:
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
Conduct regular donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
Develop individualized engagement strategies for key donors.
Coordinate proposal development with Development leadership.
Ensure timely follow-up, stewardship, and relationship management activities.
Maintain accurate donor records and activity in the CRM.
Community Relations: Serve as HomeFirst’s primary ambassador throughout Sonoma County. Responsibilities include:
Build relationships with community leaders, elected officials, businesses, civic organizations, and nonprofit partners.
Represent HomeFirst at community meetings, networking events, and public functions.
Increase awareness of HomeFirst's mission, programs, and impact throughout the region.
Identify opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and community engagement.
Support volunteer and donor engagement opportunities that strengthen community relationships.
Regional Events & Donor Engagement: Partner with Development leadership to strengthen donor engagement through regional events and activities. Responsibilities include:
Identify opportunities for cultivation events, donor visits, and community gatherings.
Partner with the Development Manager, Events & Appeals on planning and execution of Sonoma County fundraising and cultivation events.
Participate in agency-wide fundraising events and campaigns.
Support sponsorship cultivation and donor engagement activities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with colleagues across HomeFirst to ensure a coordinated donor experience. Responsibilities include:
Collaborate with Development, Marketing & Communications, Finance, and Program teams.
Work with the Development Manager, Donor Stewardship to ensure accurate donor records and exceptional stewardship.
Coordinate regional communications and marketing opportunities with the Marketing & Communications team.
Participate in Development planning, forecasting, and team meetings.
Support additional fundraising initiatives and special projects as assigned.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising or business development experience.
Demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting major gifts or comparable philanthropic investments.
Experience managing donor portfolios and building long-term relationships.
Familiarity with Sonoma County's philanthropic and business community is highly desirable.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Sonoma County and the Bay Area, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Demonstrated success working independently while collaborating across teams.
Strategic thinker with strong initiative and sound judgment.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Experience with donor CRM systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Commitment to outstanding donor service and stewardship.
Passion for HomeFirst's mission.
