Director of Development

Director of Development

Full-Time Reports to Executive Director Member of Leadership Team Supervises Development Manager

Location: San Rafael, CA

Website: Are you ready to join a team transforming lives?

At The Helix School, we’re redefining what’s possible for autistic children in the Bay Area. Our mission is to transform young lives through an integrated model of academics and therapy that puts student well-being and developmental growth at the center. We are now entering an exciting new chapter—scaling our fundraising efforts while maintaining the heart and personal touch that define our school. Our Purpose:

We’re not just here to educate; we’re here to change trajectories. Our evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach supports the whole child—addressing cognitive development, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and communication with care, intention, and respect. Our Values:

Quality of life is our bottom line.

Children with neurodiversity deserve to grow to their full potential.

Small and focused allows us to go deep, not just wide.

Integration and collaboration are our cornerstones.

Student and parent voices matter deeply.

Relationships drive everything. About the Role:

We’re seeking a strategic, mission-driven, and hands-on Director of Development to lead a newly envisioned fundraising model. You will design and implement a hybrid fundraising strategy that integrates grassroots, recurring donor campaigns with strategic cultivation of major gifts. This model focuses on long-term sustainability, donor inclusivity, and storytelling that reflects the heart of Helix.

This is a leadership-level position with a direct report (Development Manager) and a close working relationship with the Executive Director, Director of Finance and Board Fundraising Committee. Key Responsibilities:

Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy, balancing major gifts, recurring donations, grants, and community campaigns.

Cultivate and steward donors at all levels, including high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and grassroots supporters.

Build and grow a recurring donor program, focusing on donor journeys, segmentation, and retention.

Design and oversee digital and seasonal campaigns (e.g., Giving Tuesday, I Love Helix Day) using mission-aligned storytelling.

Manage donor communications and events, including the Luminary Gala, donor receptions, and community engagement initiatives.

Supervise the Development Manager, ensuring strong execution of events, systems, outreach, and reporting.

Analyze data and report regularly on fundraising performance to leadership and the Board.

Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Finance to ensure alignment between fundraising goals and strategic school priorities. Qualifications:

7–10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising

OR 5–7 years with demonstrated leadership in managing portfolios, events, and staff

Proven ability to design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies

Experience cultivating and soliciting major gifts and managing donor relationships

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and donor correspondence

Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Little Green Light, Salesforce)

Demonstrated success supervising staff and collaborating across teams

Deep alignment with Helix’s mission and values Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $110,000–$145,000 depending on experience and demonstrated leadership capacity

Benefits:

Likely 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance

Retirement plan options (Traditional and Roth, no matching)

32 paid holidays per school year

2 additional paid weeks off (during school breaks)

5 sick days annually

Ready to Apply?

If you're a strategic fundraiser with heart, vision, and the desire to help shape a sustainable future for one of the Bay Area’s most dynamic special education schools, we’d love to meet you.

The Helix School is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, students, families, and community partners.