Director of Philanthropic Partnerships

July 8, 2025
$100,000-$125,000
Palo Alto. CA

Job Description

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.

Visit the full description at: https://paloaltocommfund.org/who-we-are/careers/

About the Org

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.

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