WHO WE ARE
At Parks California, our vision is for vibrant, healthy parks that welcome, engage, and inspire. As the official statutory, non-profit partner to California State Parks, working statewide, we’re uniquely positioned to innovate and work hand-in-hand with communities and experts to bring resources together – ensuring that everyone can experience healthy and thriving parks for generations to come. As a team, each of us at Parks California strives to:
- Be a valued and trusted partner organization
- Serve as catalysts for the future of parks
- Cultivate a culture of philanthropy
- Model emotional and cultural intelligence in our work every day
- Embody the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Parks California was created to be a new model of public, private, and non-profit partnership. We’re a proud partner of 1% for the Planet, a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations working together to support people and the planet. We currently operate over 30 projects, which are funded by government, public-private partnership agreements as well as the generous support of private donations.
Want to learn more? Check out our website.
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENT
One of Parks California’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we will only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people develop talent and skills outside traditional job scopes, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Parks California is looking for a Sr. Director of Development to be the driving force behind Parks California’s fundraising efforts, playing a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability and success of its programs.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This role reports to the President & CEO and will work cross-functionally with the VP of Operations & Finance, the VP of Programs, and the Senior Director of Communications to achieve the organization’s goals and desired outcomes.
OFFICE LOCATION
We are a remote-first organization, however, the person in this role must reside in California. This allows us to work from anywhere in California virtually, including in some of the most beautiful natural spaces across the state.
TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
Frequent travel including some evenings and weekends within California. This role will be expected to travel for all organizational events, Board meetings, donor site visits, donor request meetings, staff meetings, and other key touchpoints.
THE POSITION
Strategic Development
- Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events. This involves identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors, and planning and executing special events that engage donors and raise funds for Parks California. This also involves appropriately leveraging the time and networks of the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and others affiliated with Parks California in executing on the plan.
- Works closely with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies that align with Parks California’s mission and values. This involves presenting fundraising plans and performance metrics to the Executive team and Board of Directors to ensure that fundraising activities are aligned with the organization’s overall strategic plan. This also involves recommending adaptations, as opportunities arise or circumstances change, in collaboration with the Executive team and Board of Directors.
- Works collaboratively with the Communications team to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials. This involves developing a compelling message that resonates with potential donors, creating donor recognition programs, and crafting targeted appeals that drive donations. This will include the development of physical collateral, online/website messaging, e-mail outreach, and more.
Development Department and Fundraising Portfolio Management
- Provides guidance, training, and support as needed. This includes setting goals and expectations, monitoring performance, and providing feedback to ensure the Development Department team is working effectively together and that fundraising goals are met or exceeded.
- Builds and personally manages a portfolio of major donors aligned with the mission of CA State Parks and Parks California.
- Responsible for an assigned annual fundraising revenue goal, including both renewable gifts and new revenue.
- Responsible for management of department budgeting, tracking, and year-end forecasting.
Fundraising Data Monitoring and Analyzing
- Responsible for monitoring and analyzing fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed. This involves tracking donor engagement and retention rates, analyzing revenue streams, assessing the efficacy of various fundraising strategies and tactics, and making data-driven decisions that help the organization achieve its fundraising goals.
- Ensures timely input and accuracy of donor records in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
- Works with the Programs team to ensure the use of funds meets the goals and objectives of the grants.
- Works with the Operations and Finance team to ensure accurate gift acceptance and recording and tracking.
Performs other duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- This is a full-time annual salaried position of $140,000 – $160,000
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 401K plan with employer match up to 5% and no waiting period
- $150 per month reimbursement for home Internet and mobile phone service
- 20 days paid vacation, increasing to 23 days after 2 years
- 10 paid sick days
- 13paid holidays
- flexible, family-friendly schedule
- medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, group and voluntary life insurance, EAP
- training and development resources
QUALIFICATIONS
What You Will Bring
- Minimum of 12 years of non-profit fundraising experience. This includes experience in major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, with a successful track record of securing six and seven figure gifts; and special events.
- Demonstrated ability to increase donor base, including through securing foundation grants and major donor contributions.
- Demonstrated ability to build a development team that can meet or exceed the increasing revenue goals.
- Demonstrated ability to personally secure gifts through in-person and virtual solicitations.
- Experience in planned giving and digital fundraising is highly valued.
- Deep commitment to our values, mission and core values.
- dedication to continuous listening and learning to increase cultural competency on a personal and organizational level.
- a strong sense of personal integrity and ethical conduct
- Written and Verbal Communication Skills
- Works closely with the Sr. Director of Communications to craft donor communications and marketing materials.
- ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
- evidence of strong grant writing skills
- Strong Leadership and Management Skills
- experience managing fundraising professionals, with the ability to organize and coordinate responsibilities across the team, set goals and expectations, motivate team members, and provide guidance and support as needed.
- Demonstrated Ability to Work Collaboratively
- must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and Board members to achieve fundraising goals.
- ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
- ability to identify challenges and opportunities
- develop creative solutions to meet fundraising goals,
- think critically and make data-driven decisions.
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- ability to work in a startup environment
- able to adjust fundraising strategies in response to changing circumstances or unexpected events
- able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, while maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented approach.
- Strong technical skills, including but not limited to CRM, online software platforms, and business applications such as MS 365, SharePoint, and Monday.com.
APPLY
Please submit a current resume and cover letter HERE.
DEADLINE
Deadline to apply is December 22, 2024, with an anticipated start date of mid-February.
