Director of Development

About the Pasadena Educational Foundation 

The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) builds dynamic community partnerships and mobilizes philanthropic investment to support excellence, innovation, and equity across Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). Raising $8-10 million this year, PEF is entering a pivotal new chapter—expanding individual and institutional support, engaging new partners, and advancing initiatives that enhance arts, athletics, wellness, and STEM opportunities for every student.

PEF is a deeply collaborative team where every staff member rolls up their sleeves, supports one another, and shares a genuine commitment to public education. People choose PEF because they care deeply about students and about strengthening our community. The Director of Development joins a team that celebrates initiative, kindness, partnership, and a spirit of collective problem-solving.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a visionary and entrepreneurial fundraising leader who will drive a new era of growth for PEF’s comprehensive fundraising program. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the senior leadership team, this individual will craft and implement creative strategies to grow individual giving, engage and inspire the Board, and build lasting partnerships across the greater Pasadena area’s philanthropic, corporate, and civic communities.

The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and hands-on builder, someone who thrives in developing new ideas, energizing people around a shared vision, and bringing new people to the organization. This leader will thrive in an environment where creativity, humility, and teamwork are deeply valued. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a highly respected community organization at a moment of extraordinary potential.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as PEF’s chief architect of fundraising strategy, aligning philanthropic goals with organizational priorities and PUSD’s evolving needs.


• Build on the solid fundraising base to grow a multi-channel fundraising program that strengthens annual giving, expands major gifts, and builds sustainable revenue for signature programs.


• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to activate a culture of philanthropy and engagement.


• Work in close, thoughtful partnership with PUSD leaders, principals, and staff, building relationships grounded in trust, respect, and shared purpose. 


• Translate vision into measurable outcomes with clear plans, metrics, and accountability for growth.

Board & Community Engagement

• Inspire and equip the Board to be confident and active fundraisers through training, coaching, and meaningful engagement opportunities.


• Partner with the Executive Director and Board leaders to strengthen and activate Governance and Development committees and build a strong pipeline of new board members.


• Represent PEF as a visible, articulate, and persuasive ambassador in the community, deepening relationships with donors, civic leaders, alumni, and corporate partners.


• Cultivate collaborations that connect PEF’s mission to Pasadena’s broader educational, business, and cultural ecosystem.

Fundraising & Donor Development

• Lead a balanced portfolio of fundraising streams including major gifts, annual fund, events, corporate and foundation partnerships, and planned giving.


• Personally manage and solicit a portfolio of high-potential individual donors and prospects, securing gifts of five and six figures.


• Lead innovative donor engagement strategies including events, storytelling campaigns, and peer-to-peer outreach, to attract new supporters and retain existing donors.


• Partner with the Marketing team to ensure cohesive messaging, compelling donor experiences, and strong stewardship.


• Provide strategic leadership for Celebrating Our Schools and other fundraising and cultivation events that inspire generosity and pride in public education.

Team Leadership & Development Operations

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a collaborative development team, fostering a culture of curiosity, initiative, and shared success.


• Ensure strong systems and use of DonorPerfect and related tools for prospect management, tracking, and analytics.


• Partner with Finance on revenue forecasting, reporting, and grant compliance.


• Lead, mentor, and inspire a highly collaborative development team, fostering a culture of shared success, creativity, open communication, and mutual support.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership.


• Proven success in building and scaling individual and major donor programs, soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts.


• Creative, entrepreneurial mindset with a record of launching new initiatives and engaging diverse audiences.


• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with donors, board members, and colleagues.


• A grounded, humble leadership style that thrives in a small, mission-driven team environment.


• Demonstrated ability to motivate volunteers and boards to be active partners in fundraising.


• Team-oriented leadership style that values collaboration, mentorship, and shared vision.


• Familiarity with Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley philanthropic networks a plus.


• Proficiency in donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred) and data-informed decision making.


• Passion for educational equity and belief in the power of public education.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Pasadena, CA. Some evening and weekend events are required. This is an exempt position, offering a competitive salary with health benefits, employer contributions to a retirement plan (after first year of employment), and a generous paid vacation/holiday/sick leave package.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

1. Position may require occasional evening and weekend work to meet donors, deadlines or attend fundraising events.


2. The role is primarily in-office with some travel to meet funders and stakeholders as needed.


3. Must be able to process complex verbal and written instructions.


4. Must be able to utilize standard office equipment - phone, computer, email, copier, etc.


5. Ability to sit, stand, or talk for up to eight hours a day.