Development Specialist

Company Description The Museum of Ventura County is an independent nonprofit organization that creates meaningful experiences with history, art, culture, and community. Founded in 1913 and now located on Main Street near Mission San Buenaventura, the museum preserves and showcases significant regional collections, including Chumash, Spanish, and Mexican-American artifacts. The organization has expanded to include the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, highlighting the region’s innovative agricultural history through exhibitions, programs, and events. With over 50,000 visitors annually engaging in exhibitions, tours, a Research Library, and special programs, the museum is dedicated to sparking curiosity and encouraging compassion. Team members contribute to a mission-driven environment that values education, cultural stewardship, and community connection. Role Description The Development Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Ventura, CA, responsible for supporting the museum’s fundraising and relationship-building efforts. This role assists with donor prospect research, helps prepare grant proposals and reports, and supports annual giving campaigns and membership initiatives. The Development Specialist maintains accurate development databases and records, generates donor acknowledgments and stewardship communications, and contributes to fundraising events and cultivation activities. Day-to-day responsibilities include coordinating with internal teams to gather information for proposals, preparing development materials, tracking progress toward revenue goals, and providing administrative support to the development department. The role works closely with colleagues, donors, and community partners to strengthen philanthropic support for the museum’s programs and operations. Qualifications Candidates should possess strong Analytical Skills to conduct donor research, evaluate fundraising data, and support grant and campaign reporting. Candidates should possess effective Communication skills to write clear proposals, donor correspondence, and presentations, and to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Candidates should possess Software Development and Programming familiarity only as needed to work with or understand data systems, CRM tools, or integrations that support fundraising operations. Candidates should possess Sales-related abilities, including relationship-building, cultivation, and persuasive outreach to support donor engagement and membership growth. Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, History, or Arts Administration) or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, membership, or related areas is preferred, especially in cultural, arts, or educational organizations. Proficiency with donor management or CRM software, spreadsheets, and standard office applications; attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Ability to work on-site, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and uphold inclusive, community-focused values aligned with the museum’s mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr