Director of Development

JOB TITLEDirector of DevelopmentPOSITION SUMMARYThe Director of Development will lead philanthropic strategy and execution across all giving programs, driving year-over-year revenue growth through integrated fundraising excellence. This senior role combines hands-on major gift solicitation with strategic team development, overseeing a staff of 8 to 10 while personally managing a high-impact donor portfolio.Reporting to and in partnership with the Chief of External Affairs, the Director will co-lead the Conservancy’s first comprehensive capital campaign, launched in November 2023, and support mission-critical initiatives in conservation, education, and recreation. The Director will foster a culture of philanthropy and empower a highly collaborative team to fulfill clear, ambitious, and achievable goals.LOCATIONHybrid role based in our Long Beach office a minimum of two days a week. Travel to other locations and outside meetings and events as required.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic LeadershipServe as the organization’s lead development officer, overseeing donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardshipDesign and execute integrated annual and multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with operational, programmatic, and capital prioritiesPersonally cultivate, solicit, and close transformational major giftsCo-lead the Conservancy’s first comprehensive capital campaignBuild authentic, long-term donor partnerships across diverse constituenciesExpand the donor pool and strengthen fundraising performance using data analytics and compelling cases for supportIdentify and refine financial needs and giving priorities in collaboration with senior colleaguesSupport fundraising efforts aligned with conservation, education, and recreation prioritiesPartner with the Chief of External Affairs and senior administrators to engage the Board of Directors and leverage their networksPrepare transparent reports and analyses for internal and external stakeholdersCollaborate with senior leadership and board members to align fundraising with strategic goalsModel transparency and collaboration to foster an organization-wide culture of philanthropyTeam ManagementLead, mentor, and manage a high-performing development teamRecruit, hire, train, coach, and evaluate staff, ensuring ongoing professional developmentSet and monitor annual goals and performance metrics at individual, team, and organizational levelsGuide staff in managing donor portfolios and aligning donor interests with volunteer leadership opportunities, committees, and engagement activitiesQUALIFICATIONSSkills & AbilitiesProven success in nonprofit fundraising and campaign leadershipExpertise in major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, grants, and donor stewardshipExceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skillsStrategic and operational leadership experience, including budget managementProven ability to build and sustain impactful relationships across diverse constituenciesCommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in development practicesFamiliarity with West Coast philanthropic networks and trendsProficiency in donor management systems and fundraising software, with experience in platforms such as Blackbaud RENXT, OneCause, and Instrumentl.Integrity, professionalism, and mature judgment in handling sensitive informationPassion for the Conservancy’s mission and ability to inspire othersEducation/ExperienceBachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceMinimum 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experienceAt least 5-7 years’ experience in team management and campaign developmentExperience across individual giving, institutional giving, major gifts, annual fund, membership, planned giving, prospect research, stewardship, special events, and development operationsCOMPENSATION & BENEFITSEstimated Starting Salary Range:$160,000 - $180,000 annually, based on skills and experience.We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 403(b) retirement savings plan with a 3% employer contribution and a 5% match — fully vested after two years — as well as access to healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, life and disability insurance, an employee assistance program, and professional development opportunities.HOW TO APPLYPlease click the "Easy Apply" button to submit your application. Ensure your resume includes an introductory cover letter that outlines your interest and qualifications for this role. Alternatively, you may send a resume and cover letter directly to jobs@catalinaconservancy.org, listing the job title in the subject line.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENTCatalina Island Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, genetics, marital status, medical condition, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.OUR STORYThe mission of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to be an exemplary steward of Island resources through a balance of conservation, education, and recreation.The Conservancy’s vision is for a beautifully functioning Island ecosystem for all to enjoy.Just off the densely populated Southern California coast, Catalina Island is home to approximately 4,000 year-round residents and more than 60 endemic species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.The Catalina Island Conservancy protects 88 percent of Catalina Island’s approximately 48,000 acres, including the region’s longest publicly accessible undeveloped coastline.The Conservancy is a research and conservation leader, protecting and restoring vulnerable habitats and species in its Mediterranean climate. Conservancy staff guides Island ecosystem recovery with the goal of generating a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem with no endangered forms of life.The Conservancy offers recreational experiences and educational programs for not only the 300,000 annual visitors who choose to visit the unique and special Conservancy “Wildlands Ecosystems” but also inspires the nearly 1.2 million visitors to other parts of the Island. Recreation, educational engagement, service opportunities, and partnerships connect the Island’s unique resources to people’s lives, inspiring environmental stewardship and action.The Catalina Island Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity established in 1972 to protect and restore Catalina Island for future generations to experience and enjoy.