Marin County, California

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN), an award-winning marine wildlife protection organization with offices in California, Texas and Hawai’i, seeks a full-time Development Manager (an experienced fundraising professional who is both passionate and persistent) to join our fast-paced, innovative environmental organization and be a key part of a team raising more than $3 million annually. This position is based in Marin County.

Through our Ocean Wildlife Program initiatives and Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN), we are leading the grassroots fight against extinction locally, nationally and internationally. We take on the big problems of the world’s oceans — industrial fishing, climate change, and pollution — with a can-do attitude.

The Position:

The successful candidate will have at least four years experience in engaging donors, funders, and sponsors. They will work closely with our Executive Director, Managing Director, Development & Communications team, and Program staff on fundraising tasks such as acquisitions and year-end direct mail, email and social media campaigns, grants, major gifts, fundraising planning, and more. In general, contribute to the development and execution of the annual fundraising plan. We are especially interested in someone who is passionate for wildlife conservation and activism.

Major Gifts

We have 30 years of donor records to identify and create major donor and legacy giving relationships. This position will prioritize donor segments based on giving history and capacity to build relationships and carry out a major donor plan with the Executive Director, Development & Communications team and Board of Directors. This position and the Managing Director will work together to set clear metrics for moves management.

Direct Mail, Email & Social Media Appeals and Acquisitions

Identify, cultivate and solicit both existing and prospective supporters while collaborating with the organization’s leadership and program staff to frame the best and most compelling asks in alignment with organizational priorities. Design and manage appeals and acquisitions, increase email and social media giving campaigns, and help maintain contacts and donor database.

Individual Donor Cultivation and Retention

Building relationships with the help of the Executive Director, Managing Director and Board of Directors. Communicating in a variety of ways to cultivate and retain donors. We will be re-engaging lapsed donors from the last 3-10 years – working to create a clear path to giving a seamless donor experience from identification to cultivation to ask.

Grants & Corporate Sponsorships

Develop and track proposals, reports, budgets, and other grant materials for all foundation and corporate fundraising, including sponsorships, for a portfolio of grant relationships. Collaborate with program teams to develop new proposals, submit renewals and reports, and help maintain funder relationships and deadlines.

Cocos Research Expeditions

Work with the Executive Director and the Development & Communications team to market, identify, and cultivate new and existing participants – ensuring all spots on the organization’s Cocos Research Expeditions are filled. Execute the expedition’s strategic annual development, marketing and donor experience plan.

Events

Plan, manage, develop and collaborate with staff and donors on special annual events including The Art of Saving Sea Turtles and Salmon Festival. Take the lead and work with Executive Director, Managing Director and Board of Directors on fundraising and cultivation events.

Other

  • Coordinate and expand small online merchandise/retail program
  • Other fundraising tasks as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • At least 4 years of proven development experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably with significant foundation and major donor fundraising work or equivalent experience.
  • Strong communications skills to create grant proposals and fundraising messages
  • Excellent knowledge of technology and appropriate software (e.g. Salesforce, Engaging Networks, Foundation Directory Online, online giving platforms)
  • Ability to produce accurate and timely reports and do all follow-up necessary to fulfill grant obligations
  • Highly self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple projects and work according to specific deadlines
  • Excellent written communication, research, and organizational skills
  • Interpersonal communication skills; excellent oral communication and ability to participate in public speaking events
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as necessary

The stuff that really sets you apart:

  • Experience with and passionate about wildlife and watershed conservation and ocean protection issues
  • Willing to analyze and suggest solutions for fundraising and communications
  • Eager to troubleshoot and take the initiative

Salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience and comparable to other similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

Benefits:

This is a full-time, exempt position at TIRN’s office in Olema, California. We offer a competitive benefits package including two weeks of vacation, health insurance, and 15 paid holidays. This position reports to the Managing Director.

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF format to Scott Artis (sartis@seaturtles.org). Use the subject line: “Development Manager”

TIRN is an equal-opportunity employer. Thanks for your interest and we look forward to meeting you!