Cook Silverman Search Retained by the California Academy of Sciences
June 9, 2026 – Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by the California Academy of Sciences to lead in its search for a director of leadership philanthropy. is a pivotal leadership role within the Advancement Department at the California Academy of Sciences. Reporting directly to the chief advancement officer and working closely with the executive director and board of trustees, this individual will serve as the lead architect of the Academy’s individual giving strategy. The director is responsible for securing transformational philanthropic support that fuels the Academy’s scientific and educational mission.
This role carries both frontline fundraising and team leadership responsibilities. The director will personally steward a portfolio of 75-100 major and leadership donors while managing a team of four, with the goal of achieving $10 million-$12 million in annual fundraising from the leadership gifts program. With a future capital campaign on the horizon and a supportive infrastructure that includes a dedicated prospect research team and an incoming coordinator, this is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned development professional to make lasting impact.
The organization is seeking a seasoned major gifts fundraiser with 10+ years of non-profit development experience, including a strong track record in large, complex institutional environments such as universities or science and cultural institutions. They are looking for a confident and inspiring leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and accountability.
With the help of Cook Silverman, the Academy is hoping to find a strategic thinker who can design and execute sophisticated donor engagement strategies, including planned and legacy giving, while managing a portfolio of 75-100 high-capacity donors. They are seeking a skilled communicator who can translate complex scientific concepts—including climate resilience, regeneration, and sustainability—into compelling philanthropic narratives.
The California Academy of Sciences is a non-profit scientific and educational institution located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Founded in 1853, it is one of the world’s largest natural history museums and research organizations, encompassing an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and living rainforest under one roof. The Academy is dedicated to advancing scientific research, environmental conservation, and public education through its exhibits, field studies, collections, and educational programs. Its scientists conduct research across a wide range of disciplines, including biodiversity, marine biology, anthropology, geology, and climate science, while the institution serves millions of visitors annually through exhibitions, community outreach, and educational initiatives.
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Cook Silverman Search focuses on many senior positions include but not limited to: development, CEO/COO/executive director and CFO’s for non-profit organizations, predominantly in Northern California. Its client base represents a broad span of organizations, including social service, museums, science. independent schools, universities, conservation, health care, and culture. The firm has placed advancement executives for Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, Children’s Council of San Francisco, Eviction Defense Collaborative, The Unity Council, Earth Island Institute, among others.
Victoria L. Silverman is managing founder of the search firm. She has more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. Throughout her career, Ms. Silverman has worked in senior fundraising, advancement, and management positions at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, the American Film Institute, and the Buck Institute for Age Research, among others. Her search work focuses on higher education, the arts, biotech and environment sectors. She has been speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several non-profit organizations.
Common Sense Media Search
Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. This executive provides strategic leadership and guidance for the development department, while supporting the president and board chair.
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They are responsible for building a multi-year sustainability strategy to deepen, diversify, and support the organization’s $35 million annual budget. This executive-level role involves managing and motivating a team of skilled fundraising staff, developing both existing and new relationships and strategic partnerships, and ensuring the achievement of Common Sense Media’s mission and goals.
Common Sense Media is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. They rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
