The Position
PACF is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and mission-driven professional to serve as its first full-time Director of Philanthropic Partnerships. This is a high-impact opportunity for a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit who is motivated by the power of local philanthropy and eager to help design, shape, and execute the strategies that will realize PACF’s next chapter.
The Director will manage PACF’s existing fundraising efforts—currently raising approximately $2 million annually through an annual campaign and a signature community fundraising event—while developing and executing a forward-looking strategy to expand fundraising capacity, deepen donor engagement, and grow the organization’s visibility and impact. This role will also lead the formalization of donor stewardship practices and strengthen PACF’s ability to cultivate strong, lasting relationships with individuals, families, and philanthropic partners.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships is a key member of PACF’s small, mission-driven team and will work closely with the CEO, staff, and volunteer leaders to advance the organization’s development goals. This includes partnering with the Fundraising & Marketing Committee of the Board, who support the Director in driving PACF’s fundraising strategy and outreach efforts, as well as engaging a broader network of trusted community solicitors—dedicated volunteers who are not part of PACF’s formal governance structure but play an important role in annual fundraising campaigns. The role requires someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is comfortable building relationships across staff, board, and extended networks. The Director will also participate in and support PACF’s annual grantmaking process to varying degrees, through which $1.8 million was awarded last year to more than 70+ nonprofit organizations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Manage and Strengthen Existing Fundraising Activities
• Lead strategy and execution of PACF’s current fundraising activities, including one annual appeal, signature Poker Party sponsorship, and planned giving program.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of individual donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing continued giving.
• Oversee donor operations including gift tracking, acknowledgments, segmented donor lists, and CRM data integrity.
• Prepare and present regular fundraising performance reports to the CEO, board, and committees.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising & Marketing Committee and broader network of community solicitors to support current annual fundraising efforts.
Refine and Formalize Fundraising Infrastructure
• Refine existing, develop and maintain new systems for donor research, moves management, and pipeline development.
• Strengthen PACF’s donor stewardship program, ensuring timely, meaningful, and personalized engagement.
• Improve internal documentation and workflows for fundraising campaigns and event execution.
• Lead the creation of new donor-facing collateral including campaign materials, event content, and stewardship communications.
• Collaborate with staff to contribute content to PACF’s monthly e-newsletter, highlighting impact and donor engagement opportunities.
• Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all donor engagement touchpoints to inspire giving and build trust.
Design and Execute Growth-Oriented Strategies
• Co-develop and lead PACF’s long-term fundraising vision in partnership with the CEO, board members, and key volunteers, building on existing strengths and positioning the organization for future growth and sustainability.
• Design and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with PACF’s strategic plan.
• Research, design, and pilot donor stewardship and engagement programs that deepen relationships and support donor retention.
• Expand PACF’s donor base across individual, institutional, and corporate donors, identifying new revenue opportunities.
• Develop and lead PACF’s grant seeking and management efforts in collaboration with program and communications staff.
• Building on existing reports and tools in Salesforce, identify key data points to track across donor activity, stewardship, and campaign performance; establish success metrics and design a dashboard for regular internal reporting.
• Provide thought partnership to the CEO on philanthropic partnerships, capital strategies, and long-term sustainability.
• Stay attuned to trends in fundraising, community philanthropy, and place-based giving to inform innovation and growth.
Desired Candidate Qualifications and Experience
Experience & Skills
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, and corporate support. Experience designing and executing multi-channel fundraising strategies and development plans.
• Hands-on experience managing donor portfolios, campaigns, and donor engagement events.
• Knowledge or prior experience working with corporate, family office, or institutional funders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate impact effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Experience with donor databases (Salesforce or similar systems).
• Experience working with nonprofit, volunteers, and high-net-worth individuals
• Knowledge and familiarity of the philanthropic and nonprofit landscape in Silicon Valley, including knowledge of local networks, community dynamics, and regional funding priorities
Education
• Bachelor’s degree required
Personal Attributes
• Entrepreneurial, resourceful, and thrives in a start-up environment
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• Highly organized with follow-through skills and attention to detail
• Relationship-focused with excellent interpersonal skills
• Team player who values collaboration, integrity, and community impact
• Exceptional communication skills—confident in writing, speaking, and presenting to donors, partners, and board members
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity; able to shift priorities as the organization evolves
• Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to take initiative and move work forward with minimal oversight
• Mission-aligned and impact-oriented, motivated by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the local community
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
About Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF)
The Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) is a place-based community grantmaker serving the communities of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. For over 45 years, PACF has connected local donors with high-impact community organizations to support a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving region.
PACF raises and stewards charitable funds—combining annual contributions with support from its endowment—to invest in the strength and sustainability of the local nonprofit ecosystem. In addition to direct grantmaking, PACF provides “beyond the check” support such as capacity building, peer learning, and convenings for its community partners. With a deep commitment to trust-based philanthropy and place-based impact, PACF serves as a catalyst for lasting community well-being. In FY25, PACF invested over $1.8 million in local, community-based organizations advancing equity and opportunity across Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.
PACF is at an inflection point, having experienced significant growth over the past five years. Guided by a refreshed strategic plan, the organization is now poised for its next chapter—one focused on scaling its impact by increasing both the funds it raises and the grants it distributes to the local nonprofit community. In support of this vision, the Board of Directors (Board) has committed to mindful growth, beginning with key investments in organizational capacity. Among the first steps is the addition of new staff roles—such as the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships—to work closely with the CEO and Board to realize this vision for expanded community impact. Rooted in over 45 years of community engagement and with its sights set on the future, PACF aims to grow into a leading local social impact organization—scaling support for nonprofits, broadening its donor community, and becoming a convening force for knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving across sectors. To learn more about the Palo Alto Community Fund, visit www.paloaltocommfund.org, follow us on Instagram (@paloaltocommfund), and connect with us on LinkedIn.
