Director of Advancement - Regional Parks Foundation

Company: Cook Silverman Search
Location: Oakland
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

THIS POSITION IS HYBRID. THE DIRECTOR WILL WORK REMOTELY, IN THE PLEASANTON/OAKLAND OFFICES, AND WILL FREQUENTLY VISIT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK SITES. ABOUT REGIONAL PARKS FOUNDATION The Regional Parks Foundation (RPF) is the philanthropic partner of the East Bay Regional Park District, supporting one of the largest and most diverse regional park systems in the nation. Founded in 1969, the Foundation was created to accept private gifts in support of parks spanning multiple counties across the East Bay. Over the last several years, RPF has undergone significant evolution. Once embedded within the District, the Foundation is now transitioning into an independent, professionally staffed nonprofit organization with dedicated fundraising, governance, and operational capacity. With approximately $26M in net assets and annual fundraising of $3M, RPF is poised for its next phase of growth and impact. For more information, please visit ww.regionalparksfoundation.org. OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Salary Range : $175,000 - $200,000 Benefits include: Medical insurance or stipend Retirement benefits PTO and paid holidays Travel/mileage reimbursement YOU ARE A seasoned, entrepreneurial advancement leader who thrives in periods of growth and transition and enjoys building strong, sustainable fundraising programs from the ground up. Both strategic and hands-on, comfortable setting vision while also rolling up your sleeves to execute, problem-solve, and move work forward in a lean, evolving organization. A relationship-centered fundraiser and storyteller who can translate complex, place-based work into compelling cases for support that resonate with diverse donors, partners, and communities. A collaborative leader and trusted partner to executive leadership, board members, staff, and external stakeholders, bringing clarity, structure, and momentum to shared goals. Mission-driven and values-aligned, with a deep appreciation for public lands, the outdoors, and community access—and a commitment to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of donor engagement and advancement work. POSITION OVERVIEW The Regional Parks Foundation seeks a highly versatile and entrepreneurial Director of Advancement to lead and build the organization’s fundraising and advancement function during a pivotal period of transition and growth. This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned development professional who enjoys both strategic leadership and day-to-day execution. The Director of Advancement will be responsible for building fundraising capacity, clarifying the Foundation’s philanthropic case for support, modernizing and growing its membership program, providing strategic oversight of Raiser’s Edge and expanding contributed revenue across individual, corporate, and institutional sources. Reporting to the Executive Director (with organizational structure to be finalized as the Foundation gains more operational independence) the Director of Advancement will manage a small team and a range of consultants, with the opportunity to help shape future staffing. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Advancement Leadership & Organizational Growth Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows annual and long-term philanthropic support. Serve as a key thought partner to the Executive Director on advancement strategy, organizational growth, and the Foundation’s evolution into an independent nonprofit. Work closely with Foundation leadership, the Board of Directors, and District partners during a period of organizational transition. Clarify and articulate compelling cases for support so donors clearly understand what their gifts make possible across parks, programs, and communities. Build strong cross-functional relationships with Park District leadership and staff to align philanthropic priorities with district needs and opportunities. Partner on communications and rebranding efforts to strengthen donor-facing messaging and public identity. Ensure advancement practices reflect the Foundation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across donor engagement, messaging, and partnerships. Revenue Generation, Donor Engagement & External Relations Lead individual giving efforts, including annual giving, mid-level, and major gifts programs. Drive prospect identification, qualification, and cultivation strategies to expand the major and mid-level donor pipeline. Oversee and redesign the Foundation’s membership program, informed by recent audience research and evolving engagement models. Build out a corporate engagement program, including sponsorships and corporate volunteer initiatives. Collaborate with an existing grant writer to strengthen foundation and institutional fundraising. Represent the Foundation externally with donors, partners, and community stakeholders, serving as an ambassador for the parks and their impact. Oversee volunteer engagement programs and donor/community events. Explore and help launch earned-revenue opportunities such as park retail and other mission-aligned initiatives. Advancement Operations, Systems, Marketing/Communications & Team Leadership Use Raiser’s Edge to guide the use of constituent data and analytics to support relationship management, portfolio strategy, and long-term revenue growth. Ensure systems, processes, and data integrity support organizational fundraising goals, decision-making, and donor stewardship efforts. Establish clear advancement policies, procedures, and metrics to professionalize fundraising operations and support long-term sustainability. Develop and manage the advancement budget, forecasts, and revenue projections; monitor performance against goals and adjust strategy as needed. Manage a small advancement team and oversee consultants and contractors. Hire and supervise administrative support for the advancement function. Ensure consistent, compelling messaging that supports fundraising, membership, and community engagement goals. Guide brand storytelling, digital communications, and campaign messaging to deepen donor connection and elevate the Foundation’s visibility and impact. COMPETENCIES Ten or more years of experience of progressively challenging fundraising positions Demonstrated success leading and executing fundraising programs across individual, corporate, and institutional giving. Experience building, growing, and evolving membership programs, including reimagining value propositions and engagement models. Experience building or significantly evolving development programs within growing or startup-like non-profits. Strong analytical and relationship-based fundraising skills, particularly in major gifts. Hands-on experience with Raiser’s Edge (strongly preferred); ability to leverage CRM data for segmentation, moves management, and strategy. Experience managing small teams and working extensively with consultants and contractors. Ability to operate independently, manage complexity, and bring structure to changing environments. Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging donors, board members, and senior stakeholders. Resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to dive in and help rebuild, strengthen, and professionalize systems. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; demonstrated ability to engage diverse communities and donors. Driver's license and ability to travel independently between regional parks preferred. EQUITY STATEMENT The Regional Parks Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Keywords: Cook Silverman Search, Berkeley , Director of Advancement - Regional Parks Foundation, PR / Public Relations , Oakland, California