Vice President of Development

Vice President of Development - Hybrid in Santa Ana or in the Los Angeles or Bay Area, CA

Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit the Vice President of Development for Think Education: https://thinkeducation.org/ 

About

Our mission is to partner with schools to change the odds for kids.

What started in 1994 in one small community on Shalimar Drive in Costa Mesa, has grown into a statewide organization that supports over 180,000 students annually from the Bay Area to San Diego. We partner with district and charter partners to extend the school day and provide students with nationally recognized expanded learning opportunities that prepare students for college and career. Think Education also operates early learning programs and school improvement through Orenda Education and staffing solutions through the California Schools Talent Collaborative (CSTC). Our many programs and services are in support of our vision, that all students can graduate high school with all life options available to them.

The Opportunity

Think Education formerly Think Together has grown significantly over the last 25 years and now generates approximately $250 million in total annual revenue, the vast majority from earned contracts with California school districts.

Over the years, Think Education has built and sustained a philanthropic portfolio of approximately $2.5 million annually, supported by a diversified base of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundation funders. As the organization continues to expand its impact and pursue ambitious strategic priorities, leadership has identified philanthropy as a critical area for future investment and growth.

In a marketplace that is experiencing increasing competition from both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Think Education continues to distinguish itself as an innovator and leader in the field. The organization views its work not simply as program delivery, but as systems-change work focused on transforming educational outcomes and creating lasting impact across the broader education ecosystem.

Every district wants its students to succeed and, most districts know what it takes. What holds them back are structural gaps that even the most capable leaders run into at every level of the system. Think Education has created five initiatives to address these gaps.

Think Education ' s five initiatives and innovative approach presents an extraordinary opportunity for philanthropic investment and transformational impact.

For a fundraising leader energized by innovation, growth, and mission-driven impact, Think Education offers a rare opportunity at a pivotal moment to elevate its philanthropic program, forge transformational partnerships, and help drive meaningful, lasting change across the education system.

Position Description

The Vice President, Development is a strategic leader responsible for designing, executing, and scaling a multi-year fundraising strategy that fuels Think Education’s statewide impact initiatives and supports the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Partnering closely with the CEO and other senior leaders, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth donors to drive a multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising campaign. Strengthening and expanding relationships with foundations, corporations, and key education influencers to expand funding and visibility for the organization. Develop and grow a robust donor pipeline, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and Donor Advised Funds (DAF), by shaping compelling donor-focused messaging and campaign materials that inspire investment and deepen commitment. Manage and mentor a fundraising team, ensuring excellence in donor stewardship, data systems, and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year strategic fund development plan that aligns and supports Think Education’s new strategy, with a focus on securing seed and operating funding for impact portfolio initiatives (e.g., superintendent leadership development, school improvement and digital product development).
• Work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to identify, cultivate and solicit high net worth individuals to support multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising campaign.
• Partner with senior leaders in the organization to nurture and develop strong relationships with institutional donors (e.g., foundations and corporations) and education influencers, leading to increased funding and visibility for Think’s work throughout the state.
• Drive growth of new donor pipelines, with emphasis on high-net-worth individuals and DAFs.
• Serve as primary external representative, dedicating time to cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors, philanthropic partners, and key stakeholders, including attending and participating in high-visibility community and industry events to advance strategic priorities.
• Craft high impact messaging, with support of the marketing and communication team, directed at donor audience and fundraising objectives. Lead the development of materials for capital campaign.
• Lead and mentor team of fundraising professionals and support staff to achieve financial and strategic goals.
• Oversee all internal processes relating to donor tracking and reporting.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, or proven work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• 15+ years of progressive non-profit fundraising experience, with sustained success in securing gifts from individuals, foundations, or corporations; 10+ years focused on fundraising and external relations. Experience leading capital campaigns, preferred.
• Excellent communication and the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and other stakeholders.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office software products (including Teams).
• Strong Excel skills and comfortable working with data, budgets, and reports.
• Highly proficient with PowerPoint design.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary of $225,000 to $250,000 plus unlimited time off and a full range of benefits.

TO APPLY PLEASE CONTACT:

• Katie Croskrey
• [email protected]
• 949-669-7378