Development Director

Written By Taylor Swan

Help Shape Great Futures for Santa Barbara County Youth

United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County (UBGC) is seeking a dynamic, relationship‑driven Development Director to lead and grow our philanthropic efforts during an exciting period of impact and opportunity.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Development Director will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising and marketing strategy that strengthens community investment, deepens donor relationships, and ensures long‑term sustainability for the children and families we serve.

This is a senior leadership role for a proven fundraising professional who excels at strategy and execution—and who is inspired to champion our mission in the community.

Overview:

The Development Director is accountable for creating and executing an organization-wide resource development strategy that grows philanthropic revenue and strengthens community investment for the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. This role builds and stewards key partnerships, oversees donor relations, and leads strategic fundraising initiatives to support organizational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Fundraising Strategy & Growth

  • Design, implement, and continuously refine an organization‑wide resource development strategy with clear goals, metrics, and timelines

Signature Events & Campaigns

  • Plan and lead high‑impact fundraising events such as Corks for Kids, Carpinteria Kids Auction, Rally 4 Kids, and the United Golf Tournament

  • Ensure strong sponsorship engagement, volunteer coordination, and post‑event reporting and analysis

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

  • Lead implementation of the strategic marketing plan to support fundraising, program visibility, and community engagement

  • Oversee public relations efforts, including press releases, publications, newsletters, and digital content

  • Elevate UBGC’s story using compelling storytelling, impact data, and consistent brand messaging

Grant Strategy & Management

  • Research, pursue, and manage grant funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities

  • Maintain grants calendar, ensure timely submissions and reporting, and monitor compliance

  • Provide regular updates to the CEO and Board on grant pipeline and outcomes

Leadership & Community Engagement

  • Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising strategy and donor engagement

  • Serve as an ambassador for UBGC with donors, civic leaders, businesses, and community partners

  • Lead special initiatives such as planned giving, facilities development, or organizational growth projects as assigned

  • Build and steward strong relationships with individual donors, major gift prospects, foundations, and corporate partners

  • Oversee individual giving programs, including annual giving, sustainers, estate planning, and bequests

  • Lead face‑to‑face donor solicitations and cultivation strategies alongside the CEO and Board

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in development, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

  • Minimum 5 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising or development leadership experience with demonstrated results

  • Proven success in major gifts, donor cultivation, events, and grant writing

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences

  • Highly organized, strategic thinker who can manage multiple priorities and deadlines

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM systems

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for meetings and events

United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County (UBGC)
Location: In-person at Administration Office
Status: Full-time; Exempt
Pay range: $115,000.00 to $135,000.00 Annually DOE
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Paid time off, 401K

If you are interested in applying for the Development Director position please send your resume and cover letter to Reina Desales, at rdesales@unitedbg.org.

In the subject line, please include your first and last name as well as the position that you are applying for.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Taylor Swan
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