Development Officer

Description:

Okizu is a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing and supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Rooted in the Sioux meaning of “unity” and “healing,” Okizu has provided free peer support, mentoring, respite, and recreational programs since 1982. Their focus is on community-building through overnight camp experiences for children, siblings, and families affected by pediatric cancer in Northern California and Northern Nevada.

Following the devastating loss of their camp facility in Berry Creek, CA due to wildfire in 2020, Okizu recently purchased a new property in Calaveras County as their permanent home. This milestone has sparked ambitious fundraising goals and exciting growth opportunities, making this an ideal moment to join their team.

Position Summary:

The Development Officer (DO) is a critical leadership role responsible for driving Okizu’s major and principal gift fundraising efforts. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the DO will develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and secure transformational gifts of $100,000 or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations. This role involves building strong relationships, managing a high-value donor portfolio, and working collaboratively with Okizu’s leadership team and Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve on the development and senior management teams to lead strategy, goal setting, and stewardship for major and principal gifts ($100,000+). (30%)

• Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with key priorities and initiatives.

• Conduct discovery and pipeline-building activities to grow the portfolio of major gift prospects.

• Provide strategic advice on donor-centric initiatives and volunteer board/committee collaborations. (20%)

• Personally solicit and close transformative gifts, managing a portfolio of 75-100 major/principal gift prospects. (40%)

• Prepare and monitor fundraising budgets and perform other related duties as assigned. (10%)

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; ongoing professional development encouraged.

• 8-10 years of proven success in major and principal gift fundraising, especially raising significant funds from individuals.

• Demonstrated creativity and effectiveness in strategic planning, program implementation, and fiscal management.

• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, capable of engaging high-level donors, board members, and partners.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Experience with data analysis and donor database mining (e.g., Arreva Beyond or similar systems).

• Excellent writing, public speaking, and communication skills across multiple platforms.

• Comfortable working independently and managing others in a remote work environment.

• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

Okizu’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access:

Okizu is dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all families affected by childhood cancer. The organization actively fosters safe spaces free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying, ensuring all participants can feel a true sense of belonging.

Salary and Benefits:

• Annual salary range: $118,000 to $130,000

• Comprehensive benefits package including partially subsidized health insurance, dental and vision plans, cellular phone reimbursement, paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), 403(b) retirement fund, and professional development opportunities.