VP of Development

Project Access is transforming lives in affordable housing communities across America. With over 100 Resource Centers in 16 states and a team of 145+ dedicated professionals, we connect, engage, and empower more than 27,000 children, families, and seniors each year through four key initiatives :

Economic Stability – Building pathways to financial independence Education for Youth & Families – Creating opportunities for lifelong learning Health & Wellness – Promoting healthy, thriving communities Community Building – Fostering connections that strengthen neighborhoods

We're not just providing services - we're creating tangible, life-changing impact in communities nationwide. See our success stories at www.project-access.org / success-stories.

The Opportunity : This is a pivotal leadership role for a visionary fundraiser ready to drive transformational growth. As Vice President of Development, you'll partner directly with our CEO & President to achieve strategic fund development goals during an exciting period of organizational expansion.

We're looking for a self-directed, strategic thinker who thrives on turning challenges into opportunities. You'll lead the turnaround and growth of our fundraising operations with an immediate focus on :

Improving grant success rates through strategic, targeted approachesRebuilding corporate giving momentum with year-round engagementDeveloping an untapped individual and major gifts program from the ground up

The Goal : Drive $1.9M annually across diversified revenue streams including corporate giving, grants, individual giving, special events, and campaigns.

What you'll do

Lead and Inspire a High-Performing Team

You'll mentor and develop four talented direct reports (Annual Giving Manager, Volunteer Services Manager, Director of Community Relations, and Director of Marketing and Communications). We believe in building people up so they shine—and we need a leader who shares that philosophy.

Architect Revenue Growth

Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that identify prospects, donors, businesses, and community partnersOwn key metrics : 75%+ donor retention, 25-30% grant success rate, 85%+ corporate partnership renewals, and 4 : 1 minimum event ROITransform our grants approach from high-volume to high-probability, building sustainable multi-year commitmentsCreate a major gifts program from inception, building a pipeline of $5K+ donors and targeting 15-20 new major donors annuallyDevelop tiered corporate partnership packages with tangible benefits and year-round engagement strategies

Build Lasting Relationships

You'll be the face of Project Access to donors, funders, and community partners. You'll personally meet with top supporters, lead compelling presentations, and create a stewardship program focused on relationship-building, not just transactions.

Champion Our Values

At Project Access, leadership means embodying respect, empowerment, integrity, teamwork, and innovation in everything you do. We want someone who leads with courage, builds trust through accountability, and creates an environment where people feel safe to ask questions and take risks.

Your First 90 Days

We believe in setting you up for success from day one :

Complete a comprehensive donor audit and segmentation analysisLaunch a corporate re-engagement campaign for lapsed donorsDevelop a refreshed case for support addressing key feedback patternsMeet personally with our top 30 donors to build relationshipsPresent a 12-month fundraising plan with specific targets by revenue sourceConduct one-on-one meetings with each team member to assess strengths and development needs

What you'll bring

Essential Experience

7-10 years of progressive professional fundraising experience with demonstrated success across grants, corporate, major gifts, and events 5+ years managing development teams, including marketing, communications, and / or volunteer functionsProven track record of personally securing six-figure gifts and managing a major gifts portfolioExperience developing grant strategies with measurable improvement in success ratesSuccess building corporate partnership programs with multi-year commitmentsExperience building or significantly growing an individual giving program

Key Strengths & Qualities

Exceptional communicator : You write compelling grant proposals, craft inspiring solicitation letters, and deliver presentations that move donors to action Strategic thinker : You analyze data, identify patterns, and turn insights into actionable fundraising strategies Relationship builder : You function effectively with donors, volunteers, board members, and colleagues at all levels Self-directed leader : You exercise initiative, work independently, and keep stakeholders informed Team champion : You inspire high-performance teams through coaching, mentorship, and by celebrating accomplishments

Technical Skills

Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systemsExperience managing external contractors and vendorsData-driven approach to analyzing donor files and fundraising performance

Preferred

Experience working with nonprofits serving low-income populations, affordable housing, or social servicesKnowledge of planned giving programs

Required

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or related fieldValid Driver's License with clean driving record and current automobile insuranceAbility to pass background check

The details :

Work location : Hybrid in Orange, CA, or Remote based in Phoenix / Tucson, AZ, Denver, CO, Atlanta, GA, or Jacksonville, FL Work schedule : This is a full-time, exempt position; Monday through Friday and may include non-traditional hours (evenings and occasional weekends) Reports to : CEO & President Travel : Approximately 50% nationwide travel to meet and tour donors and funders, attend and participate in speaking engagements, and visit Project Access Resource Centers. Annual compensation : $130,000-$155,000, plus performance bonus. Placement within the salary range is determined by a combination of factors including geographic location, experience, and qualifications. Benefits : Health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability, term life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, the following voluntary benefits are available at 100% employee cost : vision insurance, voluntary life insurance, pet insurance, and supplemental benefits.Safe Harbor 401(k) with 4% company match.Paid time off + 14 paid holidays

Why Join Project Access?

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to make a measurable difference in the lives of thousands of families across America. You'll work with a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. You'll have the autonomy to build programs from the ground up and the support to succeed.

If you're a proven fundraising leader ready to take on a meaningful challenge and drive sustainable growth for an organization that's truly changing lives, we want to hear from you.

Project Access, Inc. is an at-will and equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and actively seek to build a team that reflects the richness of our community. Our hiring practices are designed to identify and welcome talented individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, cultural background, religious beliefs or practices, gender identity or expression, relationship status, age, neurotype, physical or sensory abilities, sexual orientation, military service history, or any other aspect of their identity protected by law. We believe that a diverse team leads to better ideas, more innovative solutions, and a stronger community impact. Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and skills.

Project Access participates in E- Verify

The pay range for this role is : 130,000 - 155,000 USD per year(Remote)

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