Fundraising Director jobs in San Jose, CA

Reports to: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Job classification: Non-exempt, Part-time (24 hours/week)

Job purpose

Secure donations and increase the donor base for general operational needs and Capital Campaign projects.

Duties and responsibilities

Primary duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited, to the following:

• Identify charitable organizations and donors to provide funding for Hakone’s needs.

• Plan and implement programs to secure donations from organizations and individuals.

• Make connections with charitable organizations and individuals and arrange meetings with Hakone Foundation’s Executive Director and Board Chairperson.

• Plan and implement Fundraising events as well as an annual Donor Recognition Event.

• Research and identify potential grants.

• Complete grant applications, Letters of Interest, and submit to charitable organizations.

• Manage fundraising database (donors, amounts, purpose).

• Maintain regular follow-up with charitable organizations and individuals.

• Create a vibrant Legacy Program.

• Escort potential donors on tours of Hakone Estate and Gardens, present our mission, and funding needs.

• Other duties that may be assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires a minimum of three years of fundraising/development experience. College degree is preferred. A certification as a professional fundraiser is highly recommended.

• You must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, have excellent organizational skills, and be professional, be able to engage donors, and comfortable speaking in public and private settings. Experience with Japanese language and/or culture is a bonus.

• Skilled on the computer using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM software.

• You must demonstrate experience in researching and securing gifts from individuals, foundations, charitable trusts, corporate donors and grants.

• You must possess strong people skills and the ability to work cooperatively with individuals of varying personalities

Working conditions

While work hours are flexible, you will work partially from home and in an office environment, as well as meetings outside the office and outdoors. The position may require working evenings and weekends at Hakone Estate and Gardens and throughout the Bay Area.

The gardens are outdoors so you may be subject to working in the heat and the cold, rain, or windy conditions, on unpaved and uneven natural and beautiful grounds.

Physical requirements

This position may require you to lift and move tables chairs, and other equipment during the process of organizing and setting up events. You will be required to lift up to 20 pounds. You must be able to walk up and down stairs and uneven unpaved paths unassisted.

Direct reports

This position does not have any direct reports, but you will work cooperatively with the Fundraising Committee/Board and each of the other departments to plan and initiate fundraising activities/events.

Who we are

Hakone Gardens and Estate is a public Japanese tea garden in Saratoga, California, first conceived in 1915. This authentic Japanese garden, which incorporates Bay Area flora and fauna, includes historic Japanese structures such as tea huts, a bamboo forest, and koi pond, among other features. It represents a long tradition of Japanese-style garden artistry, creating an experience to inspire and educate individuals and the surrounding community. Today, the Hakone Foundation, including an active Board of Trustees and professional staff, operates the gardens, welcoming the public to engage with this unique cultural resource. We offer daily entry to the gardens & estate, which includes a small gift shop, an information center, spaces to enjoy tea and snacks, an art gallery, on-going classes, volunteer opportunities, and more. Additionally, we provide rentals for those hosting private events, ranging from corporate retreats to weddings and celebrations of life. The team values partnering with like-minded people and organizations to support this historic garden and its structures, while maintaining a cultural identity that builds a sense of meaning for all who visit.