Director of Development

Employment Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Executive Director

Department: Development

Salary Range: $85,000 to $105,000 annually

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, 401(k), FSA

Job Summary

The Director of Development (DOD) leads all fundraising, donor engagement, and communications strategies for the Living Coast Discovery Center. This role oversees a team including the Development Manager, Membership Specialist, Development Administrative Assistant, Marketing and Communications Manager, and Grant Writing Consultants.

The DOD’s primary responsibility is to cultivate and grow philanthropic support—through individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources—to advance the Center’s mission and strategic priorities. Development activities generate approximately 50% of the Center’s $2.5 million annual operating budget.

The ideal candidate will bring a successful track record of donor development, strategic fundraising, and team management, with a deep commitment to environmental education and conservation. Familiarity with the regional donor landscape is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement an annual development plan aligned with budget goals, including strategies for major gifts, annual fund campaigns, corporate sponsorships, special events, and membership growth.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and department directors to establish annual fundraising priorities.
• Oversee fundraising projections, revenue tracking, and campaign performance metrics.

Department and Team Management

Supervise and support the Development and Marketing team, including:

• Development Manager
• Marketing and Communications Manager
• Membership Specialist
• Development Administrative Assistant
• Provide leadership in goal setting, staff development, budgeting, and day-to-day operations.
• Manage and monitor the Development Department budget.
• Submit monthly fundraising reports to the Executive Director.

Major Gifts & Donor Cultivation

• Maintain strong relationships with current major donors and identify new prospects.
• Implement strategies to upgrade annual donors to major donor status and secure repeat gifts.
• Partner with the Executive Director to prepare and execute donor meetings, including briefing materials, solicitation plans, and personalized proposals.
• Lead regular donor strategy sessions with the Executive Director and board leadership.
• Manage and update the donor pipeline and moves management system.
• Oversee stewardship efforts, including thank-you letters, recognition events, and creative donor engagement.

Annual Fund and Campaigns

• Oversee all annual fund efforts in coordination with the Development Manager.
• Support online and direct mail campaigns, donor appeals, and membership drives.

Fundraising Events

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the annual fundraising event:
• Solicit sponsors in partnership with the Executive Director
• Support logistics, planning, and execution led by the Development Manager
• Contribute to other fundraising event efforts as needed, with an emphasis on return on investment.

Board and Committee Engagement

• Support the Executive Director in engaging the Board of Directors in fundraising efforts.
• Present regular development updates at board meetings.
• Assist board members in donor outreach and stewardship activities.
• Work with the Fundraising Committee to support individual giving initiatives.

Community Engagement & Representation

• Serve as a public ambassador for the Living Coast in the community.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, networking events, and stakeholder gatherings, including but not limited to South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC), Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, local service clubs, and other nonprofit events.
• Build relationships with civic leaders, business partners, and community organizations to expand the Living Coast’s visibility, funding base, and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or Master’s degree in nonprofit management or related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience
• Proven success in soliciting and securing major gifts ($10,000 )
• Experience in developing and executing annual fundraising plans and appeals
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead staff and consultants
• High attention to detail with excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency in donor database systems (preferably Altru), Microsoft Office Suite, and Canva
• Knowledge of or experience in the environmental, museum, conservation, or zoological field preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is based in a shared office setting, with frequent off-site engagement for donor meetings, site visits, and community events. Must be able to sit, stand, type, bend, and lift up to 20 lbs. Occasional local travel is required. Noise levels are moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

To Apply:

• Submit a cover letter and resume electronically by October 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM to Ben Vallejos, Executive Director, at ben@thelivingcoast.org