Vivalon
Description
Vivalon is a mission-driven Marin nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized ten times as a Best Place to Work in the North Bay, we are proud to foster a compassionate, innovative, and supportive workplace culture. As a $20 million organization and the largest nonprofit in Marin County supporting older adults and people with disabilities, we help people stay active, nourished, connected, and supported — while ensuring access to essential transportation. Our core services include Rides, Meals, Classes, Care, and Advice.
Vivalon is at a pivotal moment that requires a philanthropy-focused financial turnaround. With our transformative new Healthy Aging Campus now open, the community's needs far exceeding current capacity, and philanthropy being the decisive factor in what is possible next, this is a rare opportunity to help lead both stability and expansion.
Philanthropy isn’t supporting the strategy — it is the strategy.
To drive this work, we are seeking a bold, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer who is inspired by urgency, relevance, and measurable results. You will partner closely with a CEO who is a strong closer — an experienced public speaker and relationship builder who has personally secured dozens of six-figure gifts. This is a leadership partnership built for acceleration and success.
Essential Functions Comprehensive Fundraising & Marketing Strategy
Design and lead an ambitious multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growth
Strengthen and innovate all donor channels — major gifts, corporate, foundation, digital, and community giving
Drive external visibility and demand through compelling marketing and communications that amplify impact and scale
Partner with a fundraising-forward CEO to cultivate and close high-value donor relationships
Represent Vivalon as a compelling storyteller, community ambassador, and strategic ally to partners and funders
Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy
Help lead Vivalon’s marketing staff to:
Create a bold brand and marketing strategy that significantly expands Vivalon’s visibility and reputation
Ensure clear, cohesive messaging across fundraising, programs, media, and events
Strengthen digital presence, storytelling, and content that drive donor engagement and community activation
Use analytics to prioritize investment and maximize marketing ROI
Position Vivalon as a trusted leader in the fields of healthy aging, social connection, and supporting adults with disabilities across the region
Executive Leadership Planning & Strategy
Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic priorities and long-term vision
Build alignment and philanthropic engagement throughout the organization
Provide strategic guidance and fundraising insights to the CEO and Board
Define and lead Board fundraising expectations, building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed for meaningful philanthropic engagement
Champion a culture of philanthropic ownership across leadership and staff
Team Management & Mentorship
Lead and grow a high-performing development and marketing team
Foster collaboration, innovation, learning, and shared accountability
Ensure operational structure and coaching that enable team success
Donor-Centered Strategy
Advance a relationship-first philosophy that builds long-term donor trust and investment
Create comprehensive stewardship approaches that celebrate impact
Strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure Board members are confident and engaged fundraising partners
Support the Board with clear expectations, tools, and coaching to increase year-over-year philanthropic participation
Systems & Infrastructure
Maintain strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and analytics
Utilize technology that enhances donor experience and operational excellence
Manage budgets aligned with revenue strategy and organizational priorities
Share clear data and forecasting updates with the Executive Team and Board leadership
Performance Expectations
Drive an ambitious multi-year revenue acceleration, including doubling annual contributed revenue from approximately $2M in FY25 to $4M within four years
Other specific targets will be determined collaboratively with the CDO based on opportunity and data.
Requirements
Demonstrated success in building and leading multi-year fundraising strategies, especially major gifts
Proven leadership of high-performing teams and strong organizational culture influence
Skill and excitement in periods of growth, evolution, and transformation
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
Strong financial and data analysis abilities
Salesforce NPSP experience strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum 12 years in nonprofit fundraising, including 7+ years leading high-performing development teams and achieving comparable revenue targets
Compensation & Benefits
Expected first-year compensation of $203,500–$220,000, consisting of a base salary of $185,000–$200,000 and a 10% retention bonus at the 1st anniversary date; commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance
403(b) retirement plan
Generous PTO, paid holidays, and professional development
A mission-driven culture where joyful service and courageous leadership thrive
Work Environment & Location
Based at Vivalon’s two San Rafael offices: our administrative office at 930 Tamalpais and the newly opened Healthy Aging Campus at 999 3rd Street
Hybrid flexibility is available following a successful ramp-up period
Typical schedule includes 1–2 days per week, remote once internal and donor relationships are established
Local travel throughout Marin County and the Bay Area is required for donor engagement
Why This Role & Why Now
Shape the philanthropic future of a beloved community institution at a moment of high importance
Partner with a CEO who is an active, skilled, and influential fundraiser
Lead the development and marketing engines that will fuel stability and bold expansion
Help transform Vivalon into a premier healthy-aging nonprofit known for impact and connection
This Role Is Not About Maintenance. It is about building something remarkable.
You will have the authority, partnership, and runway to unleash your greatest strengths.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Vivalon is at a pivotal moment that requires a philanthropy-focused financial turnaround. With our transformative new Healthy Aging Campus now open, the community's needs far exceeding current capacity, and philanthropy being the decisive factor in what is possible next, this is a rare opportunity to help lead both stability and expansion.
Philanthropy isn’t supporting the strategy — it is the strategy.
To drive this work, we are seeking a bold, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer who is inspired by urgency, relevance, and measurable results. You will partner closely with a CEO who is a strong closer — an experienced public speaker and relationship builder who has personally secured dozens of six-figure gifts. This is a leadership partnership built for acceleration and success.
Essential Functions Comprehensive Fundraising & Marketing Strategy
Design and lead an ambitious multi-year revenue strategy to accelerate contributed revenue growth
Strengthen and innovate all donor channels — major gifts, corporate, foundation, digital, and community giving
Drive external visibility and demand through compelling marketing and communications that amplify impact and scale
Partner with a fundraising-forward CEO to cultivate and close high-value donor relationships
Represent Vivalon as a compelling storyteller, community ambassador, and strategic ally to partners and funders
Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy
Help lead Vivalon’s marketing staff to:
Create a bold brand and marketing strategy that significantly expands Vivalon’s visibility and reputation
Ensure clear, cohesive messaging across fundraising, programs, media, and events
Strengthen digital presence, storytelling, and content that drive donor engagement and community activation
Use analytics to prioritize investment and maximize marketing ROI
Position Vivalon as a trusted leader in the fields of healthy aging, social connection, and supporting adults with disabilities across the region
Executive Leadership Planning & Strategy
Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic priorities and long-term vision
Build alignment and philanthropic engagement throughout the organization
Provide strategic guidance and fundraising insights to the CEO and Board
Define and lead Board fundraising expectations, building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed for meaningful philanthropic engagement
Champion a culture of philanthropic ownership across leadership and staff
Team Management & Mentorship
Lead and grow a high-performing development and marketing team
Foster collaboration, innovation, learning, and shared accountability
Ensure operational structure and coaching that enable team success
Donor-Centered Strategy
Advance a relationship-first philosophy that builds long-term donor trust and investment
Create comprehensive stewardship approaches that celebrate impact
Strengthen the donor pipeline and ensure Board members are confident and engaged fundraising partners
Support the Board with clear expectations, tools, and coaching to increase year-over-year philanthropic participation
Systems & Infrastructure
Maintain strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and analytics
Utilize technology that enhances donor experience and operational excellence
Manage budgets aligned with revenue strategy and organizational priorities
Share clear data and forecasting updates with the Executive Team and Board leadership
Performance Expectations
Drive an ambitious multi-year revenue acceleration, including doubling annual contributed revenue from approximately $2M in FY25 to $4M within four years
Other specific targets will be determined collaboratively with the CDO based on opportunity and data.
Requirements
Demonstrated success in building and leading multi-year fundraising strategies, especially major gifts
Proven leadership of high-performing teams and strong organizational culture influence
Skill and excitement in periods of growth, evolution, and transformation
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
Strong financial and data analysis abilities
Salesforce NPSP experience strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum 12 years in nonprofit fundraising, including 7+ years leading high-performing development teams and achieving comparable revenue targets
Compensation & Benefits
Expected first-year compensation of $203,500–$220,000, consisting of a base salary of $185,000–$200,000 and a 10% retention bonus at the 1st anniversary date; commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance
403(b) retirement plan
Generous PTO, paid holidays, and professional development
A mission-driven culture where joyful service and courageous leadership thrive
Work Environment & Location
Based at Vivalon’s two San Rafael offices: our administrative office at 930 Tamalpais and the newly opened Healthy Aging Campus at 999 3rd Street
Hybrid flexibility is available following a successful ramp-up period
Typical schedule includes 1–2 days per week, remote once internal and donor relationships are established
Local travel throughout Marin County and the Bay Area is required for donor engagement
Why This Role & Why Now
Shape the philanthropic future of a beloved community institution at a moment of high importance
Partner with a CEO who is an active, skilled, and influential fundraiser
Lead the development and marketing engines that will fuel stability and bold expansion
Help transform Vivalon into a premier healthy-aging nonprofit known for impact and connection
This Role Is Not About Maintenance. It is about building something remarkable.
You will have the authority, partnership, and runway to unleash your greatest strengths.
#J-18808-Ljbffr