Director of Development

Director of Development

Hybrid - San Rafael, CA

The Organization

Enriching Lives through Music (ELM) offers a transformational, tuition-free, multi-year orchestral music and academic support program serving children and youth from the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael—one of the most underserved communities in Marin County. Most of our students are first-generation children of immigrant families from Mexico and Central America. For families who came to the U.S. seeking better opportunities for their children, ELM offers not just hope—but results. Our long-term, high-impact model helps break cycles of poverty by preparing students for high school graduation and college success. Students enter the program at age nine, exploring a carefully planned musical pathway that empowers them to pursue their dreams and access resources they need to succeed after they graduate at age 18. Through a comprehensive program encompassing orchestra, chamber music, and academic support, ELM empowers students to build discipline, confidence, and leadership skills. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and equity, ELM fosters a collaborative community where student voices are valued and supported by critical pillars of academic achievement, social and emotional well being, and family engagement.

The Opportunity

Enriching Lives Through Music (ELM) seeks a visionary development leader who can take us to the next level—bringing strategy, structure, and storytelling to expand our donor base and help us meet both our annual and long-term fundraising goals. This is an exciting moment to join our organization. After years of growth and impact that began with just 15 students in 2011—and has expanded to 175 in 2025—we are entering a new chapter. The chapter begins with the acquisition of a permanent home, a 7,400 square foot facility that was purchased this year thanks to the generosity of several loyal donors. This new space opens the door for the organization to expand its programs and enrollment, deepen community engagement, and launch a capital and endowment campaign that will provide critical resources to shape our future.

The Director of Development will report directly to our Executive Director and manage a full time Development Manager and contract Grant Writer. The Director will also work closely with the board, dedicated board development committee, capital campaign chair, and Director of Finance and Administration. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a beloved organization on the cusp of major growth, surrounded by a team working to catalyze the power of joy, family, and equity through music.

The Director will inherit a strong base of donors and have the opportunity to build upon numerous accomplishments, including :

• A proven, El Sistema inspired full-scholarship model with transformative impact on 175 youth ages 9-18 encompassing music, academics, and social-emotional learning
• Strong institutional identity grounded in community, cultural relevance, and transformative outcomes for immigrant and Latinx families
• A deeply committed Executive Director seasoned in managing donor relationships who enjoys hands-on partnership in fundraising
• Strong foundation of board engagement, growing major gifts program, and an expanding advisory group alongside a newly acquired permanent home
• A warm, mission-driven staff culture that values flexibility, collaboration, and shared pride in the work

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Development Leadership - 50%

Campaign Leadership - 50%

Qualifications

Our Team, Culture, Compensation and Benefits

We are a mission-driven team grounded in mutual respect, flexibility, and shared pride in the work we do. Staff describe our culture as collaborative, warm, and energized by a deep belief in addressing equity in a holistic way to expand what’s possible for our students and community. Our approach is rooted in our commitment to excellence and addressing the needs of the whole child and whole family. We value transparency, cross-functional support, and a healthy balance of autonomy and partnership.

This role offers a salary in the range of $135,000–$150,000 , commensurate with experience, along with a benefits package that includes health benefits, paid time off, retirement plan, and commuter benefits. We also offer schedule flexibility, including hybrid work options to support both personal well-being, work / life balance and professional excellence.

Encouraging Applicants of All Backgrounds

Enriching Lives Through Music is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable team. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Susannah Sallin, Search Consultant to Nonprofits, with subject line “Director of Development” and send to apply@sallinsearch.com. No calls, please. We will respond to all applicants, thank you.