Development Officer

Job Title: Development Officer
Reports to : Executive Director, Board of Directors
Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid: In-person & Remote)
Job Type : full time
Salary Range: $65,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

About Includ(Ed):
Includ(Ed) is an inclusive early childhood education center located in Pacific Beach, San Diego.
We integrate high-quality preschool, early intervention therapies, and wraparound family
supports to serve all children-regardless of disability status.

Position Summary:
The Development Officer is a hybrid leadership role responsible for designing and executing
Includ(Ed)'s comprehensive fundraising and donor engagement strategy. As the sole fundraising
staff member, this position will oversee all aspects of development, including donor cultivation,
grant writing, fundraising campaigns, community events, and communications. The
Development Officer will be tasked with helping the organization meet its annual fundraising
goal of $450,000 . This role also supports the creation of a regular newsletter and coordinates
community-facing events.

Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to raise at least $450,000 through a combination of individual giving, grants, sponsorships, and campaigns.
• Lead donor prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship efforts with individual donors and business partners.
• Manage and execute multi-channel campaigns (e.g., annual appeals, Giving Tuesday, online and print campaigns).
• Track progress toward fundraising goals and report regularly to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Grant Development & Management

• Research and identify funding opportunities aligned with Includ(Ed)'s mission.
• Write and submit grant proposals, LOIs, budgets, and follow-up reports.
• Maintain a clear and up-to-date grant calendar with deadlines, submission dates, and reporting timelines.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Maintain a donor database (e.g., Little Green Light or equivalent), ensuring records are up to date and well-organized.
• Send timely acknowledgments, impact updates, and personalized stewardship messages.
• Develop segmented donor engagement strategies to increase retention and giving.

Communications & Newsletter

• Produce a regular digital newsletter for donors, families, and partners, highlighting stories, impact, and upcoming events.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and program staff to gather compelling content and ensure messaging reflects the organization's voice and values.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and Social Media team to curate the website and social media presence.

Community Events Coordination

• Plan and coordinate community-facing events such as open houses, family celebrations, donor cultivation events, and fundraising gatherings.
• Manage logistics, communications, and follow-up to ensure events reflect Includ(Ed)'s inclusive, welcoming culture.
• Represent Includ(Ed) at community events and build relationships with local partners and stakeholders.

Evaluation & Reporting

• Analyze fundraising data, donor trends, and campaign outcomes to inform future strategy.
• Create monthly and quarterly development reports for the Executive Director and Board.
• Help inform organizational decision-making with a fundraising lens.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or advancement roles.
• Proven success in individual donor engagement and grant writing.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a passion for storytelling and impact.
• Self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience with donor CRM systems (e.g., Little Green Light, Salesforce).
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the mission of Includ(Ed).

Preferred:

• Experience working in early childhood education, disability justice, or family-centered organizations.
• Familiarity with the San Diego philanthropic landscape.

Work Environment & Benefits:

• salaried position with flexible scheduling, open to part-time.
• Hybrid work model with some in-person presence required.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits available (depending on FTE).
• Paid holidays and time off aligned with organizational calendar.
• Family-friendly, mission-driven team culture with opportunities for growth.
• Discounted rate for childcare

Annual Performance Bonus

• Amount: Typically 5-15% of annual salary
• Tied to: Meeting or exceeding individual and organizational fundraising goals
• Structure: Tiered: 90-99% of goal = 5%, 100-119% = 10%, 120% = 15%)
• Other Factors Considered: Donor retention, grant success rate, team collaboration