The Working Families Party is seeking a California Finance Director to lead fundraising strategy and execution for the California donor community. The Finance Director will design and implement a comprehensive finance plan and build the infrastructure needed to meet ambitious fundraising goals. The finance director will also work closely with state and national principals to expedite their fundraising efforts including.
You will oversee all aspects of the finance operation, including major donor cultivation, events, donor research, and serve as a primary point of contact for fundraising efforts. You’ll work closely with senior staff to drive call time, coordinate events and travel, track data, and grow a robust, mission, and values-aligned donor program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for our California campaigns, with a focus on major donors, PACs, and events.
Set and track monthly, quarterly, and cycle-to-date fundraising goals and key performance indicators.
Organize and lead call time for state and national principals: prepare call lists and call sheets, draft briefings, track pledges, and manage timely follow-ups.
Conduct research on current and prospective donors, organizations, and PACs to support strategic outreach and expand the donor universe.
Ensure accurate data entry, clean records, and effective donor segmentation in our CRM (currently: EveryAction).
Plan and manage fundraising events—from small salons and briefings to large-scale receptions and statewide gatherings.
Build and steward strong donor relationships through personalized engagement, cultivation plans, and regular campaign updates.
Work with donor networks, organizers, and bundlers to expand support and leverage the WFP donor community.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Fundraising Experience: 2+ years of experience in political fundraising, with at least one federal or statewide campaign strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage a major donor program and meet ambitious fundraising goals.
Clear Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief and coach staff for call time and events.
Self-Directed Project Manager: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and work evenings/weekends as needed. Plans ahead and finds alternative paths, when needed, to get to the finish line. Holds a high bar even when things are hectic.
Project Management Experience: Demonstrated experience managing projects and collaborating with stakeholders. Has managed systems to keep tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality. Plans backwards to make deadlines. Asks for help when needed.
Detail Oriented: Notices and fixes errors that others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
Mission Alignment: A commitment to building a party that seeks governing power by, for, and with working class people of all races.
Skills Required
- 2+ years of experience in political fundraising
- At least one federal or statewide campaign experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage a major donor program and meet fundraising goals
- Experience with EveryAction CRM and accurate donor data management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing and coaching staff for call time and events
- Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects and work evenings/weekends as needed
- Experience planning and managing fundraising events (small salons to large receptions)
- Experience conducting donor and PAC research and expanding donor universe
- Commitment to the organization's mission and values (mission alignment)
- Currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; employer will not sponsor visas
What We Do
The Working Families Party (WFP) is a progressive political organization for the multiracial working class, dedicated to building a party that fights for workers and people over the powerful. WFP recruits, trains, and runs people-powered candidates for office to advance a progressive agenda, aiming to win major victories for working families, such as higher wages, fairer criminal justice, and getting money out of politics.
