📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: West Coast Development & Partnerships Manager
🔹 Company: Acumen
🔹 Location: San Francisco, Los Angeles
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Fundraising
🔹 Date Posted: June 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: No (On-site with travel)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Growing and leading Acumen's West Coast funder community
- Fundraising with a personal goal, stewarding donors, and cultivating new relationships
- Managing and mentoring a Development & Partnerships Associate
- Building strategic relationships with key advisors and connectors
- Collaborating with regional leads to enhance Acumen's presence and engagement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, independent individual with strong communication skills and a proven track record in individual fundraising.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Steward and strengthen relationships with an existing donor base across the San Francisco Bay Area, SoCal, and Seattle
✅ Identify, cultivate, and close 6-figure gifts
✅ Provide direct management and mentorship to the Development & Partnerships Associate, West Coast
✅ Build strategic relationships with key advisors, connectors, and a broad network of lead generators
✅ Develop multi-year, personalized engagement plans for Acumen donors
✅ Identify creative ways to cultivate and enhance Acumen’s presence across philanthropy forums on the West Coast
✅ Partner with the Events Senior Associate to conceptualize, develop, and execute events that engage Acumen's West Coast community
✅ In partnership with regional leads, develop the engagement experience for Acumen's Builder’s Pledge community
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of self-motivation, accountability, and the ability to work effectively across teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required, relevant advanced degree preferred
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in individual fundraising and relationship management with a personal fundraising goal
Required Skills:
- Proactive and independent work style
- Effective storytelling and communication skills
- Capable networker with a track record of building and maintaining strategic relationships
- Effective collaboration and feedback skills
- Self-reflective and aligned with Acumen values
- Permanent authorization to work in the US
- Ability to travel within the West Coast approximately 25% of the time and internationally once a year or as needed
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with next-generation donors
- Fluency in a second language
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of the philanthropy ecosystem and be comfortable working in a collaborative and innovative work environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $94,500 to $117,000 annually
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Annual performance-based bonus
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible scheduling and travel requirements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation will vary based on various factors including but not limited to experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Nonprofit, International Development
Company Size: 11-50 employees (Small to Medium)
Founded: 2001
Company Description:
- Acumen is a global community of leaders, investors, and partners building a world where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity
- Acumen invests philanthropic capital in social enterprises and builds markets in some of the hardest-to-reach communities on the planet
- Acumen's approach combines the best of philanthropy and investing to create lasting, sustainable change
Company Specialties:
- Venture Philanthropy
- Social Enterprise
- International Development
Company Website: http://www.acumenacademy.org
ASSUMPTION: Acumen is a mission-driven organization focused on addressing global poverty through innovative, market-based solutions.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Managerial, with potential for growth and leadership opportunities
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Associate Director of Development & Partnerships
Work Arrangement: On-site with frequent travel within the West Coast and international travel once a year or as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Development & Partnerships team
- Opportunities to work on international projects and gain global experience
- Chance to develop and refine skills in fundraising, relationship management, and strategic planning
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on Acumen's mission and global community.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Acumen's West Coast office is based in San Francisco, with a secondary presence in Los Angeles
Office Location(s): San Francisco, Los Angeles
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco: A major tech hub with a vibrant philanthropic community
- Los Angeles: A diverse and growing philanthropic ecosystem
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling and travel requirements
ASSUMPTION: The West Coast offices provide a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities to engage with a diverse range of donors and partners.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Associate Director of Development & Partnerships
Key Assessment Areas:
- Fundraising and relationship management skills
- Communication and storytelling abilities
- Strategic planning and problem-solving
- Cultural fit and alignment with Acumen values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your fundraising experience and relevant skills
- Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your fundraising success and challenges overcome
- Demonstrate your understanding of Acumen's mission and values in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Fundraising, Relationship Management, Networking, Storytelling, Collaboration, Communication, Mentorship, Strategic Planning, Event Planning, Prospecting, Donor Engagement, Community Management, Analytical Skills, Self-Motivation, Accountability, Curiosity
ASSUMPTION: Acumen's application process is designed to assess candidates' fundraising skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with the organization's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang)
- Fundraising and event planning tools (e.g., DonorPerfect, Eventbrite)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace (e.g., Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used by Acumen may vary, but candidates should be comfortable working with common fundraising and productivity software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Courage
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Accountability
- Humility
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Collaborative and innovative
- Results-driven and accountable
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Comfortable working with diverse teams and stakeholders
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Acumen's values in your work and personal life?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed up or across teams to achieve a common goal?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strategic relationships with donors and partners?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with Acumen's values and a willingness to collaborate and innovate in a dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a significant personal fundraising goal and meeting annual targets
- Balancing the demands of stewarding existing donors and cultivating new relationships
- Navigating a diverse and sometimes unpredictable philanthropic landscape
- Working effectively across teams and managing up to the Associate Director of Development & Partnerships
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring a proactive and adaptable candidate.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other fundraising roles, this position offers a unique focus on venture philanthropy and international development
- Acumen's approach to fundraising combines philanthropy and investing, creating a distinct opportunity for candidates interested in both sectors
- Career paths in this role may lead to leadership positions within Acumen's Development & Partnerships team or other areas of the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of fundraising and international development experience, with opportunities for growth and leadership within Acumen.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a multi-year engagement plan for a core group of Acumen donors
- Identifying and cultivating new donors and connectors in the Bay Area, SoCal, and Seattle
- Partnering with regional leads to enhance Acumen's presence and engagement at philanthropy forums on the West Coast
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from strategic planning to hands-on donor engagement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Development & Partnerships department?
- How does Acumen support the professional growth and development of its fundraising team members?
- Can you provide an example of a successful fundraising campaign or initiative led by Acumen, and what made it successful?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing Acumen's fundraising efforts, and how can this role address them?
- How does Acumen approach working with next-generation donors, and what opportunities exist for growth in this area?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, team dynamics, and Acumen's approach to fundraising and donor engagement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your fundraising experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching Acumen's mission, values, and recent projects
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
