Job Description

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

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

The California Academy of Sciences is one of the largest natural history museums and scientific research institutions in the world, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum under one living roof, the Academy is dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. With a team of world-class scientists and educators, the Academy pursues research in biodiversity, sustainability, and climate resilience while inspiring millions of visitors each year.

The Academy’s Advancement Department plays a critical role in fueling these cross-functional, forward-thinking scientific and educational initiatives. With a robust individual giving program and exciting growth on the horizon—including a potential capital campaign of $250M-$500M—this is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven institution at an inflection point. For more information, please visit www.calacademy.org

The California Academy of Sciences has a rich history and is part of the fabric of San Francisco. Recent transitions, while difficult, provide an opportunity for a highly talented fundraiser to help shape and tell its story. The organization is fiscally sound and led by a highly prestigious and dedicated board of trustees. Its recently hatched strategic plan for fiscal years 2027-2031 is about resilience and renewal: strengthening financial foundations, cultivating a vibrant internal culture, and fostering disciplined, mission-driven growth that will secure the Academy’s future.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 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)

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.
  

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.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Director of Leadership Philanthropy reports to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). This position manages a team of four and works in close partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and the Legacy Giving team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Design and execute short- and long-term strategic plans for the Leadership Philanthropy program, including annual fundraising goals and expense budget management.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of four, fostering a culture of high-value, coordinated relationship management and professional growth.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Academy leadership on program structuring to maximize donor engagement and philanthropic return.
• Act as a key ambassador for the Academy at public venues, conferences, and convenings to amplify the mission and deepen funder networks.

  Frontline Fundraising & Relationship Management
  

• Personally steward and solicit a portfolio of 75-100 high-capacity individual and family donors, utilizing sophisticated moves management techniques.
• Seamlessly integrate planned and legacy giving into donor strategies, collaborating closely with the Academy’s dedicated Legacy Giving team.
• Partner with Trustees and key volunteers to leverage their networks and facilitate high-level introductions and solicitations.
• Support the CAO and Executive Director in their engagement with the Academy’s most significant supporters, providing strategic briefings and follow-up.

  Cross-Functional Collaboration
  

• Partner with Direct Response and Donor Experience teams to build a robust donor pipeline, ensuring a smooth transition for mid-level donors advancing into leadership giving circles.
• Collaborate with Advancement Operations to refine prospect identification, portfolio assignments, and data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee the development of high-touch marketing collateral and bespoke donor communications that articulate the Academy’s scientific and educational impact.

COMPETENCIES

• Mission alignment and a genuine commitment to youth, science, learning, and curiosity.
• 10+ years in nonprofit development, with a proven track record in major gifts and successful capital or endowment campaigns.
• Demonstrated success in large, complex institutional environments, such as universities, science institutions, or cultural organizations.
• 5+ years of direct supervisory experience with a focus on coaching, talent development, and retention.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific research—such as regeneration, climate resilience, and sustainability—into inspiring philanthropic opportunities.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Tessitura strongly preferred) and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
• Ability to travel within the Bay Area and work flexible hours for evening and weekend events.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Preferred

• Experience in university or academic fundraising environments.
• Comfort navigating large, matrixed, or bureaucratic organizations, with strong skills in managing up to visionary and high-profile executive leadership.
• Familiarity with blended gift strategies that incorporate planned giving components.
• Demonstrated experience in capital campaign preparation or execution.

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.