Development and Fundraising Manager

Job Title: Fundraising and Development Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: San Diego, CA

Type: Full‑time, Exempt

About Paddle for Peace

Paddle for Peace (P4P) exists to diversify the coast by breaking down barriers and connecting underserved youth to the ocean’s transformative and healing power. We deliver culturally competent coastal access, ocean education, and leadership programming at no cost to participants, fostering belonging, environmental stewardship, and community resilience along the shore.

Position Summary

The Development Manager is a strategic, high impact role responsible for driving the implementation of P4P’s fundraising and revenue strategy. This role works with the Executive Director in achieving the organization’s fundraising and earned revenue goal, cultivating relationships with donors and partners, managing grants and sponsorships, strengthening stewardship systems and elevating P4P’s visibility with mission aligned supporters. The Development Manager ensures consistent execution of development work while protecting program and staff capacity.

Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy & Execution

• Support the execution of the annual fundraising plan across individual giving, corporate partnerships/events, community & civic giving, and grants.
• Track progress against revenue targets, adjust tactics as needed, and report regularly to the Executive Director.
• Partner with leadership to develop the annual budget, including revenue projections, expense planning, and cash flow forecasting; track performance against budget and recommend adjustments to ensure financial sustainability.
• Contribute to long range fundraising forecasts and scenario planning to strengthen revenue diversification and organizational growth.

Donor Cultivation, Stewardship & Retention

• Manage the individual giving portfolio, including monthly sustainers and major donors.
• Develop and implement donor stewardship plans ensuring timely, meaningful engagement.
• Oversee personalized acknowledgment processes and impact communications (email, direct mail, calls).
• Represent the organization at networking events, community convenings, and sector gatherings to cultivate prospective donors, strengthen partnerships, and increase visibility; proactively identify and pursue relationship building opportunities that expand the organization’s philanthropic and community footprint.

Grant Support

• Oversee the grant strategy, including research, proposal writing, reporting, deadlines, and relationship management with foundations and select government funders.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and timely reporting.
• Facilitate renewal conversations and prioritize strong, long‑term funder relationships.

Corporate Partnerships & Events

• Support sponsorship sales and coordination for flagship events to meet revenue goals.
• Build and steward corporate partners that align with P4P’s mission and values.

Data, Systems & Communications

• Create and maintain accurate donor and funder records in the CRM.
• Develop fundraising reports, dashboards, and donor impact communications.
• Collaborate with communications or program staff to amplify fundraising messaging across channels.

Cross‑Team Collaboration

• Work closely with programs, operations, accounting, and communications to align revenue strategies with mission impact, ensure program readiness for earned revenue, and support storytelling.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• 4 years nonprofit development/fundraising experience.
• Proven ability to manage donor relationships, write proposals, and execute fundraising campaigns.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively and independently in a small start up nonprofit environment.
• Grant writing and Grant management skills
• Knowledge creating and managing fundraising systems work flow and tracker
• Experience with individual giving programs (major gifts, monthly giving).
• Experience managing grants, sponsorships, and donor stewardship processes.

Preferred

• CRM/donor database proficiency with Givebutter

Competencies

• Relationship‑oriented with a stewardship‑first approach.
• Strategic thinker with ability to translate plans into measurable actions.
• Flexible, creative problem‑solver who thrives within mission‑driven teams.
• Comfortable engaging with diverse individuals, community partners, and board members.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a growing development function within a values‑driven organization.
• Close collaboration with leadership
• Engagement with community partners, donors, and mission‑aligned supporters.
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
• Room for growth

Compensation and benefits

Professional development stipend

Paid time off

Medical Benefits

401k

Wellness activations