Development Director Northern California

Join the mission to strengthen democracy and make California even better through nonprofit journalism.

CalMatters, California’s largest nonprofit newsroom dedicated to policy and politics, is looking for a strategic, driven, and relationship-centered Development Director for Northern California. If you believe independent journalism is essential to a thriving democracy — and you're an experienced fundraiser who thrives in a fast-paced environment — we want to meet you.

In just a decade, CalMatters has become an indispensable public service:

• We deliver high-impact, nonpartisan journalism about California’s most pressing issues.
• Our work reaches millions of people every month through our website, newsletters, and 250+ partner media outlets across the state.
• We are powered by philanthropy and committed to transparency, accountability, and impact.

About the Role
As Development Director, you’ll lead our Northern California major donor strategy, building and nurturing lasting relationships with individuals giving $5,000+ annually. You’ll be part of a high-performing development team and work closely with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, Editor-in-Chief, and board members to shape and grow our individual giving portfolio.

This is a senior leadership role with significant responsibility and opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for major donors.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-level supporters and prospects.
• Implement a strategy to identify major donor prospects within the existing pool of donors and move them toward major donor status.  
• Write compelling donor materials — including email updates, impact reports, event invitations, and stewardship tools.
• Collaborate across the revenue team to develop and execute a vibrant donor events strategy, including private briefings, luncheons, salons, and intimate gatherings for our Publisher’s Circle ($10,000+) donors.
• Stay current on CalMatters reporting and identify new opportunities to align donor interests with our work.
• Support the launch and promotion of a planned giving program.
• Maintain accurate donor records in our CRM (Salesforce) and assist with forecasting and budgeting.
• Consistently meet or exceed annual revenue goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in leadership-level fundraising or revenue-generating roles.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individuals.
• Strong experience in major donor prospecting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — persuasive, authentic, and relationship-oriented.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and results-focused.
• Comfortable using Salesforce or similar donor databases.
• Passion for journalism, democracy, and the future of California is a plus.
• Located in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area, with the ability to travel as needed.

Performance will be measured by:

• Achievement of annual revenue goals
• Donor retention and new donor acquisition
• Execution of high-quality donor events
• Development of clear, persuasive donor communications

Why CalMatters?
You’ll join a team of passionate professionals working to elevate public understanding and improve life in California. We offer a dynamic, mission-driven workplace, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a real difference.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is $120,000 to $135,000 per year. 

We offer a complete benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance — we cover 95% of the cost for employees and dependents — from a range of HMO and PPO providers. We’ll match contributions of up to 2% of your salary to our 401(k) program and provide life insurance at no cost.

How to Apply