CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP PHILANTHROPY

 
 

Click on the link below for the full opportunity description:

 
OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
 

THIS POSITION IS HYBRID. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE IN THE SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE THREE TIMES A WEEK.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Leadership Philanthropy is a pivotal leadership role within the Advancement Department at the California Academy of Sciences. Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees, this individual will serve as the lead architect of the Academy’s individual giving strategy. The Director is responsible for securing transformational philanthropic support that fuels the Academy’s scientific and educational mission.

This role carries both frontline fundraising and team leadership responsibilities. The Director will personally steward a portfolio of 75-100 major and leadership donors while managing a team of four, with the goal of achieving $10M-$12M in annual fundraising from the leadership gifts program. With a future capital campaign on the horizon and a supportive infrastructure that includes a dedicated prospect research team and an incoming coordinator, this is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned development professional to make lasting impact.

SALARY/BENEFITS

  • Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000

  • Benefits include:

    • Vacation: 120 hours (15 days) in first year (accrued at a rate of 4 hours and 37 minutes per pay period)

    • Sick days: 10 days per calendar year

    • 10 observed holidays

    • 4 floating holidays

    • Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance

    • 403b, 5% Match after 1 year contribution

    • Hybrid work environment (3 days / week onsite)

LOCATION: San Francisco, CA; Hybrid — three days in office a week

YOU ARE

  • A seasoned major gifts fundraiser with 10+ years of nonprofit development experience, including a strong track record in large, complex institutional environments such as universities or science and cultural institutions.

  • A confident and inspiring leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and accountability.

  • A strategic thinker who can design and execute sophisticated donor engagement strategies, including planned and legacy giving, while managing a portfolio of 75-100 high-capacity donors.

  • A skilled communicator who can translate complex scientific concepts—including climate resilience, regeneration, and sustainability—into compelling philanthropic narratives.

  • An adept relationship-builder who is comfortable engaging board members, senior executives, and major donors, and who brings exceptional skills in managing up with visionary leadership.

EQUITY STATEMENT
The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The California Academy of Sciences is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work—from scientific research and public programming to hiring and organizational culture. The Academy actively seeks candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences and encourages applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the nonprofit and scientific communities.

TO APPLY
For more information, or to apply for the Director of Leadership Philanthropy position at the California Academy of Sciences, please upload your resume and cover letter here. All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.