Are you looking for a career that supports animals and the people who love and depend on them? Do you find deep meaning in helping families keep their beloved pets through life's hardest moments? Sage Compassion for Animals is seeking a Development Director who is energized by building donor relationships, scaling a growing development program, and advancing a mission that truly matters.
About Sage Compassion for Animals
Sage Compassion for Animals (SageC4A) is a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to keeping pets and their families together during times of crisis. We provide financial assistance for veterinary care to companion animals facing acute, life-threatening illness or injury - thereby preventing unnecessary suffering and euthanasia. We also educate communities about ways to prevent and reduce illness, and ensure all animals we help are spayed or neutered.
Founded in 2019, SageC4A is a growing organization with strong veterinary partnerships, a dedicated Board, and a donor community that shares our deep commitment to the human-animal bond. The demand for our services grows each month and we are building the development infrastructure to match our future vision. A strong development director is central to this effort.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director is a key leadership role responsible for implementing and growing SageC4A's fundraising program. This is a hands-on role that blends frontline relationship management with operational rigor. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment — someone who enjoys building structure, managing a donor portfolio, and working closely with the Executive Director and Board to expand revenue while preserving the organization's values and donor-centered culture.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
Implement and contribute towards SageC4A’s fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director.
Manage and grow individual giving, including major donors, recurring donors, and mid-level supporters.
Identify, cultivate, and steward donors through personalized engagement and, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board, solicit major gifts.
Support grant research, writing, submission, and reporting.
Develop an annual Development Plan and budget based in conjunction with the current strategic plan.
Provide effective strategic support, including research, background information, materials and recommended strategies in preparation for interactions with targeted constituencies and individuals.
Actively represent SageC4A in the community, interacting and networking to enhance development and outreach objectives. Assist Executive Director in cultivating new relationships with key community leaders and seek opportunities to develop and maintain a strong public presence.
Donor Relations & Stewardship
Serve as a frontline fundraiser, managing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects.
Ensure consistent donor stewardship, including acknowledgments, impact reporting, and relationship-building touchpoints. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all community, donor and volunteer communications.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board members on donor cultivation and solicitations.
Development Operations & Systems
Maintain accurate donor records, interactions, and pipelines within the donor database.
Track fundraising performance, donor retention, and pipeline activity; prepare regular reports for leadership and the Board.
Improve and document fundraising processes, including gift acknowledgment, reporting, and donor communications.
Collaboration & Leadership Support
Partner closely with the Executive Director to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals.
Partner with the Board to leverage their personal networks to support Development efforts.
Drive donor communications, appeals, and campaigns (email, letters, proposals, and basic collateral).
Work with Board members to provide support and coaching to advance their fundraising activities and their efforts as ambassadors for SageC4a.
Candidate Qualifications & Experience
5-10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience preferred; experience in animal welfare or human services a plus.
Demonstrated success in individual giving and donor relationship management, major gift experience at modest levels.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable working in a small, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment where flexibility and initiative are essential.
Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs (e.g. EveryAction) and fundraising reporting.
Ability to travel around the region and attend events in the evenings and/or weekends.
Bachelor's Degree Required
What We’re Looking For
A donor-centered mindset and strong relationship-building instincts
A practical, execution-oriented approach to fundraising
Comfort working closely with an Executive Director in a collaborative leadership model
Passion for SageC4A’s mission of keeping pets and families together
Professional judgment, discretion, and integrity
Compensation & Details
Full-time position
Salary range: $95,000 -105,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Remote-first, with in-person engagement across the San Francisco Bay Area to support development efforts
Competitive employee benefits and policies
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter to jsmith@sagec4a.org describing their relevant development experience and their interest in SageC4A’s mission. Come join our team and get involved with our important and mutually fulfilling mission!
Sage Compassion for Animals is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
