Director of Development (beginning August 1, 2025)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- & Long-term Disability, 401K (no matching), Paid Vacation
Website: www.thehelixschool.org

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of autistic children in the Bay Area?At The Helix School, we’re on a mission to transform young lives while advancing the state of the art in neurodiversity and whole child development. Our method sets us apart. We create a seamless fabric of services that tightly integrates therapy and academics. If this resonates with you, read on!

Our Values:

• Quality of life is our bottom line.
• Children with neurodiversity, primarily those with an autism diagnosis, deserve to grow to their full potential.
• Being small and focused allows us to continuously develop and learn.
• Integration and coordination are at our core.
• Meeting our students at their level builds trust.
• Our student and parent voices matter.

Our Purpose:At Helix, we’re not just here to educate; we’re here to change the trajectory of children’s lives. Through a tailored, evidence-based, and integrated curriculum, we meet every child at their developmental stage, addressing sensory processing differences and emotional regulation to unlock their boundless potential.

Our Team:Join an extraordinary group of educators, occupational and speech therapists, behavioral experts, and mental health professionals who are passionate about creating brighter futures. Collaboration and support are key, ensuring that every child’s journey is unique and celebrated.

As Director of Development, you will play a pivotal role in advancing The Helix School’s mission. You’ll design, implement, and manage comprehensive fundraising strategies that engage donors, secure sustainable revenue, and grow our support base. The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, excels in donor cultivation, and has a proven record of securing significant financial support. This position is part of our Leadership Team, working closely with the Executive Director to align fundraising efforts with Helix’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans encompassing individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and events, focusing on sustainable revenue growth.
• Donor Cultivation: Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Grant Writing and Management: Lead the grant-seeking process, from researching opportunities and writing proposals to ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Major Gifts: Launch and manage a major gifts initiative, identifying key donors, crafting customized solicitation strategies, and securing major gifts.
• Board Engagement: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to support their fundraising efforts and provide guidance in their roles as ambassadors.
• Fundraising Events: Plan and execute key fundraising events such as galas, donor receptions, and community outreach initiatives.
• Marketing and Communications: Partner with marketing consultants to develop impactful fundraising materials, donor communications, and strategies aligned with fundraising goals.
• Budget Management: Develop and oversee the annual fundraising budget, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate donor databases and fundraising software, tracking interactions and contributions.
• Reporting and Analysis: Provide regular reports on fundraising activities, donor engagement, and revenue projections to the Executive Director and Board.

Required Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation.
• Expertise in fundraising best practices, donor cultivation, and stewardship.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and proposal development (writing samples required upon request).
• Proficiency in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Helix School.

Additional Requirements:

• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to do whatever it takes.
• A team player who believes in working hard while having fun.
• Passion for learning and improving your practice.
• Proficiency in Mac environments and Google-based applications.
• Successful completion of the Livescan process and TB clearance.

If you’re ready to be part of a team that’s transforming lives through innovative education and therapy, we invite you to apply and join us in making a lasting impact!

The Helix School does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Salary : $120,000 - $130,000