Job Description
Job DescriptionOverviewThe Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) seeks to hire a full-time Development Officer to lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This position is central to the Foundation’s vision of long-term sustainability, growth, and increased impact across marine conservation, education, and community engagement.We anticipate this position being filled by an early- to mid-career professional who brings energy, discipline, and creative thinking to the role. The successful candidate will join a mission-driven organization and benefit from close mentorship and leadership development through the direct support of two senior board members with extensive fundraising experience, as well as the day-to-day guidance of LOF’s Managing Director.Our current core budget is approximately $450,000. The Development Officer will be responsible for helping raise this annual amount in close coordination with other team members, and will be expected to significantly expand our annual fundraising. This strategic growth in fundraising will allow LOF to invest more deeply in programming, staffing, and community impact.This role presents a unique opportunity to help shape and scale a growing conservation nonprofit at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
Primary ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and implement a multi-faceted fundraising plan to grow and diversify revenue, with emphasis on major gifts, foundation support, and a revitalized annual fund.
- Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including individual giving campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and donor engagement events.
- Design and implement a stewardship strategy to acknowledge and retain donors, ensuring timely recognition and meaningful relationship-building.
Donor Development and Engagement
- Cultivate, manage, and expand relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
- Develop tailored strategies for major gift cultivation and planned giving opportunities.
- Coordinate donor communications, site visits, and impact reporting to strengthen engagement and trust.
Grant Development and Management
- Research potential funding opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and corporate philanthropy programs.
- Write and submit high-quality grant proposals and manage reporting deadlines.
- Maintain a calendar of grant activities and ensure all compliance requirements are met.
Event Planning and Execution
- Work with the Managing Director, Community Outreach Coordinator, Education and Leadership Manager, and program staff to plan and execute special events that raise funds, enhance visibility, and deepen community relationships.
- Support logistics, guest engagement, and follow-up communications for donor-focused events.
Data and Systems Management
- Manage and maintain an up-to-date donor database (CRM), ensuring accurate tracking of gifts, communications, and interactions.
- Analyze fundraising performance, generate reports, and present insights to senior leadership and the Board.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Collaborate with communications staff to ensure consistent messaging across donor outreach and public-facing materials.
- Work closely with program and education teams to align fundraising with mission impact and program growth.
Budget Oversight and Reporting
- Develop and manage the annual development budget in collaboration with leadership.
- Track expenditures and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various fundraising initiatives.
Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field (experience in environmental or education nonprofits is a plus).
- University degree in related field (e.g., business, marketing, public relations). Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, grant writing, or event planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., Give Butter or similar).
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small, dedicated team.
Professional Development and SupportThis role is intentionally designed as a professional growth opportunity. The Development Officer will receive mentoring from senior-level board members and close support from the Managing Director to develop skills in strategic fundraising, relationship management, and nonprofit leadership. The role offers high visibility and room for advancement within the organization as LOF continues to grow.Additional Notes· Some local travel (up to 10%) is expected· LOF is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply· LOF does not provide a medical, dental, and vision insurance. · LOF provides paid sick and vacation leave, holidays, 401K, and flexible scheduling The Development Officer is a vital addition to our team, strengthening LOF’s ability to cultivate long-term, diversified revenue streams in support of marine conservation and community education. With dedicated support and leadership, this position will build critical infrastructure for donor engagement and expand our capacity to serve the community and protect the rich coastal ecosystems of Laguna Beach.How to ApplyPlease submit your resume and a cover letter describing how your experience aligns with the role to The Laguna Ocean Foundation’s hiring team via their career page or the application link provided in the full position profile. Send your material to deena@lagunaoceanfuondation.org For more information, visit:www.lagunaoceanfoundation.org
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