Project Access

Compensation

Full Description

The Opportunity: This is a pivotal leadership role for a visionary fundraiser ready to drive transformational growth. As Vice President of Development, you'll partner directly with our CEO & President to achieve strategic fund development goals during an exciting period of organizational expansion. We're looking for a self-directed, strategic thinker who thrives on turning challenges into opportunities. You'll lead the turnaround and growth of our fundraising operations with an immediate focus on: Improving grant success rates through strategic, targeted approaches Rebuilding corporate giving momentum with year-round engagement Developing an untapped individual and major gifts program from the ground up The Goal: Drive $1.9M annually across diversified revenue streams including corporate giving, grants, individual giving, special events, and campaigns. What you'll do Lead and Inspire a High-Performing Team You'll mentor and develop four talented direct reports (Annual Giving Manager, Volunteer Services Manager, Director of Community Relations, and Director of Marketing and Communications). We believe in building people up so they shine—and we need a leader who shares that philosophy. Architect Revenue Growth Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that identify prospects, donors, businesses, and community partners Own key metrics: 75%+ donor retention, 25-30% grant success rate, 85%+ corporate partnership renewals, and 4:1 minimum event ROI Transform our grants approach from high-volume to high-probability, building sustainable multi-year commitments Create a major gifts program from inception, building a pipeline of $5K+ donors and targeting 15-20 new major donors annually Develop tiered corporate partnership packages with tangible benefits and year-round engagement strategies Build Lasting Relationships You'll be the face of Project Access to donors, funders, and community partners. You'll personally meet with top supporters, lead compelling presentations, and create a stewardship program focused on relationship-building, not just transactions. Champion Our Values At Project Access, leadership means embodying respect, empowerment, integrity, teamwork, and innovation in everything you do. We want someone who leads with courage, builds trust through accountability, and creates an environment where people feel safe to ask questions and take risks. Your First 90 Days We believe in setting you up for success from day one: Complete a comprehensive donor audit and segmentation analysis Launch a corporate re-engagement campaign for lapsed donors Develop a refreshed case for support addressing key feedback patterns Meet personally with our top 30 donors to build relationships Present a 12-month fundraising plan with specific targets by revenue source Conduct one-on-one meetings with each team member to assess strengths and development needs What you'll bring Essential Experience 7-10 years of progressive professional fundraising experience with demonstrated success across grants, corporate, major gifts, and events 5+ years managing development teams, including marketing, communications, and/or volunteer functions Proven track record of personally securing six-figure gifts and managing a major gifts portfolio Experience developing grant strategies with measurable improvement in success rates Success building corporate partnership programs with multi-year commitments Experience building or significantly growing an individual giving program Key Strengths & Qualities Exceptional communicator: You write compelling grant proposals, craft inspiring solicitation letters, and deliver presentations that move donors to action Strategic thinker: You analyze data, identify patterns, and turn insights into actionable fundraising strategies Relationship builder: You function effectively with donors, volunteers, board members, and colleagues at all levels Self-directed leader: You exercise initiative, work independently, and keep stakeholders informed Team champion: You inspire high-performance teams through coaching, mentorship, and by celebrating accomplishments Technical Skills Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems Experience managing external contractors and vendors Data-driven approach to analyzing donor files and fundraising performance Preferred Experience working with nonprofits serving low-income populations, affordable housing, or social services Knowledge of planned giving programs Required Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or related field Valid Driver's License with clean driving record and current automobile insurance Ability to pass background check The details: Work location: Hybrid in Orange, CA, or Remote based in Phoenix/Tucson, AZ, Denver, CO, Atlanta, GA, or Jacksonville, FL Work schedule: This is a full-time, exempt position; Monday through Friday and may include non-traditional hours (evenings and occasional weekends) Reports to: CEO & President Travel: Approximately 50% nationwide travel to meet and tour donors and funders, attend and participate in speaking engagements, and visit Project Access Resource Centers. Annual compensation: $130,000-$155,000, plus performance bonus. Placement within the salary range is determined by a combination of factors including geographic location, experience, and qualifications. Benefits: Health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability, term life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, the following voluntary benefits are available at 100% employee cost: vision insurance, voluntary life insurance, pet insurance, and supplemental benefits. Safe Harbor 401(k) with 4% company match. Paid time off + 14 paid holidays Why Join Project Access? This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to make a measurable difference in the lives of thousands of families across America. You'll work with a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. You'll have the autonomy to build programs from the ground up and the support to succeed. If you're a proven fundraising leader ready to take on a meaningful challenge and drive sustainable growth for an organization that's truly changing lives, we want to hear from you. Project Access, Inc. is an at-will and equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and actively seek to build a team that reflects the richness of our community. Our hiring practices are designed to identify and welcome talented individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, cultural background, religious beliefs or practices, gender identity or expression, relationship status, age, neurotype, physical or sensory abilities, sexual orientation, military service history, or any other aspect of their identity protected by law. We believe that a diverse team leads to better ideas, more innovative solutions, and a stronger community impact. Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and skills. Project Access participates in E-Verify