Vice President of Development, Individual Giving & Regional Engagement
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at .
Job Overview
We are seeking a strategic, relationship-centered, and mission-driven Vice President of Development to lead our individual giving and fundraising operations during a time of national momentum. This is a high-impact role that combines strategic vision, community connection, and operational excellence to fuel our mission and expand our reach from $5M to $10M in annual individual giving revenue over the next five years.
At Common Sense Media, we believe that philanthropy is rooted in authentic, long-term relationships. Fundraising is not transactional—it’s about building trust, aligning values, and connecting our mission to the passions of our community. This role will serve as both a frontline fundraiser and strategic leader, cultivating deep donor partnerships while managing comprehensive fundraising operations.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and working in close partnership with the co-CEOs and senior leadership, this role will drive national major gift strategy, oversee development operations, and shape a culture of philanthropy aligned with our values and goals.
Location : San Francisco, California
Reports To : Chief Development Officer
Salary : $160,000–$190,000
Type : Full-time, exempt
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy to expand donor base and grow revenue from $5M to $10M over five years
- Champion a fundraising philosophy focused on cultivating authentic, lasting connections and relationship-centered philanthropy
- Build and expand regional growth strategies through donor engagement, partnership-building, and community storytelling
- Collaborate with CDO, CEO, and senior leadership to integrate fundraising into broader strategic planning and program priorities
Major Gift Portfolio Management
Personally cultivate and manage a portfolio of 100-125 active major donors and prospects, focusing primarily on gifts in the $25K to $1M rangeDesign bespoke cultivation and solicitation strategies that reflect donor interests and organizational impactServe as lead strategist on principal / leadership gifts ($100K and above) in partnership with CDO, CEO, and board volunteersDemonstrate proven experience in stewarding gifts of $1M or more and securing six- and seven-figure commitmentsProgram Integration & Relationship Building
Direct all individual-giving fundraising efforts, including leadership gifts, major gifts, annual giving, events, and donor advisory councilsPartner with research, advocacy, and education teams to create compelling engagement opportunities aligned with mission deliveryActivate regional advisory councils and flagship events (e.g., LA, SF, Silicon Valley, NYC) as catalysts for deeper relationshipsTranslate programmatic work into compelling stories that inspire donors at all giving levelsAnnual & Mid-Level Giving Oversight
Oversee strategy for growing base of supporters ($1,000–$24,999) through targeted cultivation and pipeline developmentOptimize digital campaigns, direct mail, and peer-to-peer channels to strengthen donor retention and community involvementCoordinate curated donor events and mission-based experiences that move prospects through the giving pipelineEvents & Stewardship
Oversee development events (friendraisers and fundraisers) across regions, including signature national eventsRefine and manage comprehensive stewardship and donor communications programs aimed at cultivating deeper donor tiesEnsure seamless donor experiences through collaboration with communications, events, and finance teamsTeam Leadership & Operations
Manage geographically distributed team of regional engagement staffFoster a collaborative, donor-centered culture rooted in community alignment and goal-oriented achievementCoach team members to prioritize trust-building and long-term stewardship alongside performance metricsData Management & Reporting
Establish clear, realistic, and transparent fundraising success metrics and accountability practicesMonitor all donor information using CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and donor research toolsProvide timely and accurate fundraising reports and statistical analysis to CDO, executive leadership, and boardBoard & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Board of Directors to grow culture of philanthropy and support high-level relationship managementCollaborate across departments with high level of intra- and interdepartmental coordinationWork closely with communications, events, and finance teams to ensure integrated donor experiencesWhat We’re Looking For
Required Experience
15 years of fundraising experience, including major gift cultivation, multiyear fundraising strategy, and team leadershipDemonstrated experience formulating visionary strategies and managing integrated individual giving programs (major gifts, events, annual appeals)Proven track record helping to lead major gifts or capital campaigns with depth of knowledge in comprehensive campaign managementProven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts and building long-term donor relationshipsExperience managing teams of four or more while creating goal-oriented environments that empower and inspireSkills
Essential Skills & Competencies
High level of comfort and effectiveness working with high net-worth individuals and corporate business leadersDeep belief in relationship-based philanthropy and community buildingAuthentic communicator and active listener who builds trust and champions collaborationExcellent written and oral communication skills with ability to create compelling impact storiesEntrepreneurial spirit with strategic vision and willingness to execute hands-on workDemonstrated ability to lead with empathy, inspire action, and navigate sophisticated donor landscapesTechnical Requirements
Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), donor research tools, and performance analyticsExperience supporting board fundraising and regional philanthropic activationsPersonal flexibility to travel and work evenings as requiredEducation & Values Alignment
Bachelor’s degree in related field required; master’s degree preferredPassion for Common Sense’s mission and deep commitment to organizational valuesCommitment to building authentic, long-term relationships over transactional approachesOur Benefits
The chance to work with talented, passionate professionals.A great health and welfare benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), and other key benefits.An organization that offers work / life balance.The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!Common Sense Media provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Common Sense Media will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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