Director of Development

Salary: Starting rate commensurate with experience, $100,000 - $115,000. Schedule: 40 hours per week, including occasional weekends and holiday scheduling. Closing Date: Open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 17, 2026 ABOUT US Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife, focusing on birds of prey. Located in Ojai, California, ORC also provides environmental education to inspire conservation and stewardship and supports raptor conservation through research and community engagement. POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Development leads ORC's development, fundraising, marketing and communications functions, working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, foundations, sponsors, and community partners. This position is responsible for the strategy, leadership, performance and continued growth of the department, including growing support for ORC through grants, major gifts, annual giving, sponsorships, membership, events, and donor stewardship. The Director of Development oversees ORC's development strategy, marketing and communications, donor database, and development staff while helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. The Director owns and is accountable for departmental strategy, goals, planning, systems, staff, budget, and performance, and is expected to independently lead the department's day-to-day operations and priorities. The successful candidate will be an organized, relationship-focused professional and experienced leader who enjoys connecting people to ORC's mission and building meaningful support for wildlife conservation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement ORC's annual development plan, fundraising strategy and take ownership of the department’s overall performance and results. Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish fundraising and development priorities and goals. Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, revenue projections, work plan, and performance goals. Monitor fundraising and development progress and provide regular reports and updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Identify opportunities to strengthen and diversify funding sources. Supervise development, communications, fundraising, and related support staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers. Provide leadership, accountability, coaching, and professional development for supervised personnel. Take ownership of the Development Department and be accountable for achieving annual fundraising goals, departmental performance, and effective execution of all development, marketing, and communications activities. Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and supporters. Lead major donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and fundraising activities. Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and engagement opportunities. Develop and implement donor acquisition, retention, and growth strategies. Lead annual appeals, giving campaigns, donor communications, and fundraising initiatives. Partner with board members and the executive director to strengthen donor relationships and fundraising efforts. Identify and develop planned giving, legacy giving, endowment, and other long-term philanthropic opportunities. GRANTS, FOUNDATIONS & SPONSORSHIP Maintain ORC's grants calendar and funding pipeline. Develop and maintain multi year funding opportunities to support organizational growth. Research and pursue grant opportunities that align with organizational priorities. Oversee grant applications, supporting documentation, and reporting requirements. Manage relationships with foundation, corporate, and government funders. Develop and maintain sponsorship and partnership opportunities with local businesses and corporate supporters. Lead the development and execution of capital campaigns and major fundraising initiatives that support ORC's long-term strategic goals. COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Oversee fundraising communications that support donor engagement and revenue generation. Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and contractors to develop newsletters, fundraising appeals, annual reports, website content, social media content, and other external communications. Ensure consistent messaging and branding that accurately reflects ORC's mission, programs, and impact. DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS & REPORTING Maintain oversight of donor databases, fundraising software, and development records. Ensure donor information is accurate, up to date, and confidential. Track fundraising performance and key development metrics. Prepare quarterly and annual fundraising and departmental performance reports. Manage development budgeting, forecasting, and planning. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience preferred. Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, grant management, nonprofit leadership, or a related field, including leadership, with demonstrated success securing support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners. Strong relationship-building and donor stewardship skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities. Ability to work independently and lead a department while collaborating effectively across the organization. Strong attention to detail and commitment to follow-through. Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email marketing platforms, and social media platforms. Experience with creating high quality marketing materials including annual letters, annual reports and strategic plans or equivalent. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and appropriate insurance. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT Light to moderate physical demands, including lifting up to 25 pounds. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and working indoors and outdoors. Occasional attendance at evening, weekend, and community events. Work is often fast-paced, deadline driven, detail-oriented, and occasionally stressful. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Health Benefits : Access to comprehensive health plans. Retirement Plan : Enrollment in a 403 (b) plan with match after 12months. Paid Holidays : Observance of five flexible paid company holidays. Opportunities for professional development and continued learning. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Ojai Raptor Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and community members. WORKPLACE CONDUCT All staff are expected to maintain a positive and professional work environment through respectful collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to ORC’s mission and values. All incidents, injuries, and concerns must be reported in accordance with ORC’s policies and procedures. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ojai Raptor Center