Senior Director of Philanthropy

The Senior Director of Philanthropy at Climate Action Campaign will lead fundraising strategies, manage major donor relationships, and oversee the Philanthropy Manager. This role requires a highly experienced fundraiser with a strong background in securing significant gifts. While the position allows for remote work, the candidate must reside in or plan to relocate to San Diego or Orange County, CA, to engage with donors and represent the organization.
Reporting to the CEO and overseeing the Philanthropy Manager, the Senior Director of Philanthropy will define the vision, shape strategy, and secure the major investments that power CAC’s bold fight for policies protecting our communities and climate.

This role is for a highly‑experienced, creative fundraiser who thrives on relationship building, closing significant gifts, and cultivating a strong culture of fundraising. You will have the autonomy and authority to design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to exceed our nearly $2 million annual fundraising goal.

Your Location:

Live in San Diego, CA or Orange County, CA (able to network, meet with donors, etc)No in office work required but must live in area (or an immediate plan for relocation)Our HQ: San Diego, CAYour Schedule:

Monday to Friday (9am-5pm)Your Manager:

Nicole Capretz, CEOClimate Action Campaign's' Core Values

JusticeDiversityEquityInclusionHealthVoiceSafetyYour Contribution to Climate Action Campaign

Lead Philanthropy Strategy: Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising planMajor Donor Development: Build strong relationships with major donors and prospectsPartnerships: Foundations, government, and corporate (multi-year, 6- & 7- figure commitments)Campaigns & Events: Drive successful fundraising initiatives (inspire, engage, and expand donors)Donor Communications: Craft compelling stories, campaigns, and digital engagement strategies.Board Engagement: Mentor/train Board Members in their philanthropic and fundraising rolesTeam Leadership: Supervise and grow the Philanthropy ManagerTeam Culture: Foster a collaborative, enthusiastic culture of philanthropyCommunity Presence: Represent CAC at events and in community spacesWhat Makes You Successful:

Proven Fundraiser: 15+ years of nonprofit fundraising success (grown major donor programs)Major Donor Strategist: Skilled at identifying, cultivating, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.Dynamic Communicator: Exceptional at listening, storytelling, and connecting with a wide range of stakeholdersStrategic Leader: Experienced in supervising staff and engaging boardsDigitally Fluent: Comfortable leveraging emerging digital tools (e.g. AI, CRM systems)Understands the Bigger Picture: Grasps the political and climate landscape (policy & advocacy)Equity-Centered: Deeply committed to building a more fair and affordable futurePassionate Visionary: Motivated to make a lasting difference in advancing climate justice.Climate Action Campaign's Contribution to You:

Salary: $135k to $170k/yr403b w/ 4% MatchMedical/Dental/Vision: 100% coverage for employee (dependents paid by employee)Paid Holidays: 23 (You read that right!!)Closed last two weeks in DecemberPTO Days: Starts at 15 (Then w/ Tenure: 20 > 25 > 30 Days!)Cell Phone: $65 StipendTransportation: $100 StipendSalary Increase: $3k @ 5yrs (Then $5k One-Time Bonus Every 5yrs)About Climate Action Campaign

Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a bold, people‑powered nonprofit advancing clean air, affordable energy, and vibrant, healthy communities. We believe transformative laws, policies, and programs are won through the energy, courage, and voice of everyday people. Building on our history of landmark victories in San Diego, Orange County, and across California, CAC recently helped pass historic legislation to reform the utility business model and lower energy rates for families. Now more than ever, we’re poised to scale our impact, and philanthropy is central to that growth.