Director of Development

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume to View email address on click.appcast.io with “Development” AND YOUR NAME in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants only. Principals only.

Director of Development

San Francisco Bay Area or Greater Los Angeles, California 

Reports to: CEO

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Hybrid with some ability to visit our two wildlife centers (Fairfield or San Pedro)

About International Bird Rescue — birdrescue.org

International Bird Rescue is a global conservation organization for birds in a changing world. Since 1971, Bird Rescue has responded to over 250 wildlife emergencies, caring for more than 250,000 birds on six continents. With crisis response centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage, the organization specializes in emergency preparedness and response, day-to-day aquatic bird care, and scientific research. Innovations are shared worldwide to inspire the next generation of wildlife specialists. Bird Rescue aims to give a voice to waterbirds through conservation, advocacy, and wildlife literacy that builds empathy and encourages action. For more information, please visit birdrescue.org .

About the Position

International Bird Rescue is seeking an experienced fundraising leader for a well-established and evolving nonprofit in the area of animal welfare, emergency response, wildlife conservation, and environment. For more than 55 years, International Bird Rescue has relied on the generosity of donors and the influx of funding received during wildlife crisis events to sustain the organization. As we aim toward a path of sustainable growth and program expansion, the incumbent will work in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, leadership team, and Board of Directors to mobilize resources that enable the next era of impact. The incumbent will create and execute an annual development strategy that increases support from the current $3M to $4M from a combination of individual donors, strategic partnerships, special events, corporations and foundations. 

The successful candidate brings vision, a can-do attitude, and a deep curiosity to strive to do things incrementally better. They are a self-starter who loves all aspects of fundraising and storytelling that engages supporters as partners. They are a good coach who focuses on the success of the team, establishes an inclusive working environment, and shows up with warmth and integrity. Supported by an Executive Support Associate and a grant writer, the Director of Development will have the opportunity to build the team further to meet long-term objectives.

Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive and diversified strategy to sustain and grow the revenue base of Bird Rescue, including campaigns, major gifts, institutional and corporate giving, annual giving, special events, and planned giving.
• Fortify major gifts program to identify, cultivate, and solicit top-level gifts, in collaboration with the CEO, Board of Directors, Advancement Committee, and senior staff.
• Manage an annual budget, complete with measurable goals and timelines.
• Supervise and build development team
• Oversee donor data to track performance, giving trends, identify new opportunities for revenue and drive efficiencies.
• Promote a positive work environment with an engaged team while driving toward ambitious goals.
• Become an expert on Bird Rescue programs and share the impact of our work with donors in authentic and compelling ways.

Specific Experience Desired

• 10+ years of fundraising experience, with a proven track record of closing gifts and reaching annual revenue targets of $3M+.
• Experience coordinating large fundraising events with strong knowledge of best practices.
• Experience with corporate social responsibility programs.
• Insights and expertise on the philanthropic landscape in the West Coast – including both the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles.
• Knowledge of environmental and wildlife issues, particularly in relation to ocean health.
• Experience with capital/comprehensive campaigns.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience.

Specific Skills Desired

• Exceptional communication and relationship building skills geared toward diverse audiences including corporate clients, foundation and individual donors.
• Strong writing skills.
• Solid experience and disciplined approach to donor databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce.
• A passion for our mission and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Team player who enjoys supporting and collaborating with colleagues.
• Risk-tolerant critical thinker.

Location

Flexible, with regular visits to our wildlife centers in Fairfield and/or San Pedro

Compensation and Start Date

This full-time position offers a competitive salary in the range of $100,000-140,000 commensurate with experience, flexible work hours, collaborative work environment, and a benefits package that includes generous vacation, health insurance, retirement plan with match, and other benefits. The position is open immediately. Final position title may vary depending upon the experience level of the selected candidate.

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to View email address on click.appcast.io with “Development” AND YOUR NAME in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants only. Principals only. 

International Bird Rescue is committed to representing the diverse populations of bird lovers in the world. Members of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, nationalities, physical abilities or disabilities, religions or beliefs, and cultures are welcome as employees and volunteers in our organization.