Development Manager

Development & Events Manager

Los Angeles Waterkeeper (Los Angeles, CA)

Los Angeles Waterkeeper (LAW), a dynamic environmental nonprofit organization that fights for the health of the region’s waters and communities, is seeking a highly motivated, well-organized individual with strong institutional fundraising skills to join our team as Development & Events Manager. This position will manage LAW’s grant research, writing and reporting, oversee fundraising administration, while supporting fundraising and overseeing programmatic events. Candidates ​should have experience in institutional fundraising, written communications (e.g., grant or report writing), and have strong project management skills. This position will work under the Associate Director and actively collaborate with the Development & Communications Manager, Community Engagement Manager, and other key staff. Professional or volunteer experience within an environmental organization preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Grant Writing & Management Research foundation, corporate and government grants to identify potential funding sources for LAW; maintain database and calendar to ensure proposals are submitted in a timely fashion
• ; Support development of cases for support and/or template grant requests for all LAW campaigns and projects to ensure consistent submittals; oversee drafting of grants in collaboration with program staff and LAW’s Associate Director, and submittal of all grant requests; work with program staff to prepare all necessary progress reports to funders.
• Fundraising Administration – Oversee the administration of fundraising systems and donor databases, including donation and pledge tracking, donor acknowledgements, data analysis and prospect research. Develop data-informed prospect and email lists. Partner with the Associate Director and Development & Communications Manager to support fundraising appeals and donor cultivation activities. Oversee execution of LAW stewardship strategy and refine as needed.
• Event Management – Oversee LAW’s key programmatic and fundraising events aimed at recruiting new donors, members and volunteers as well as educating and engaging the public and ecosystem partners in LAW’s work and critical water issues facing the LA region. In partnership with the Associate Director, event planning contractors, and other key staff, oversee project management and coordination of 6-10 events aligned with various LAW campaigns and fundraising goals. Events include a signature annual event (Making Waves), eco salons / donor house party, research symposiums and other public convenings.
• Administrative support– Undertake administrative tasks related to position, such as developing reports to the LAW board of directors and committees; participating in staff meetings and activities; managing timesheets, work plan and budgets; recruiting and overseeing interns and volunteers as needed, etc.

Qualifications & Requirements:

The Development Manager will be a personable, creative, dynamic, well-organized, and highly motivated person with experience in fundraising and grant writing and a strong interest in environmental protection. Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 4 years of experience with fundraising, budget and project management, event planning and coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex (environmental) policy issues into understandable and compelling language to inform and engage diverse communities.
• Skilled at project management including ability to develop and oversee timelines, task lists and budgets, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize goals in line with our strategic direction.
• Proficiency with fundraising and project management tools, ideally the Microsoft suite, Asana, Qgiv, and/or Bloomerang.
• Some work, academic or volunteer experience with environmental issues a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting juggling multiple projects under tight deadlines, including displaying excellent problem-solving skills, organizational instincts, thoroughness with details, and commitment to following through with responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in a small nonprofit environment where teamwork, creativity, and flexibility are valued.
• Commitment to DEI, helping promote a culture of equity and inclusion across the organization.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Some evening and weekend work is required for events throughout the year.
• Travel within LA County and access to reliable automobile required.
• Able to work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day and sit at a desk for extended periods; able to read a computer screen and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
• Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
• For events, meetings, and a safe office, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly requested from all staff and personnel.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. LA Waterkeeper seeks and encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Gender-nonconforming people especially in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented. We do not discriminate based on any class protected by law. 

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the hiring process, please email us at rebecca@lawaterkeeper.org

About Los Angeles Waterkeeper

LA Waterkeeper was founded in 1993, and today the organization is leading the fight for the health of the region’s waterways, and for sustainable, equitable and resilient water supplies. We envision the LA region as an international leader on integrated, sustainable, and equitable water management; a region that is water self-sufficient, and where all waterways throughout the county are safe, healthy, and accessible to the public. Learn more at lawaterkeeper.org.