Donor Engagement Manager

Organization Overview
Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California nonprofit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For almost 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of over 57,000 acres, 58 conservation easements, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust seeks an experienced Donor Engagement Manager to join our dynamic fundraising team. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Development and Communications Director. The Donor Engagement Manager will spearhead events, design and implement strategies for recruiting new members and donors, increase community and member engagement through consistent and compelling outreach, fundraising appeals and fun donor activities. The Donor Engagement Manager is key to the further expansion of our fundraising program and achieving our strategic goals. The ideal candidate will be experienced with events, creative thinker, effective multi-tasker and able to thrive in a fast-paced, growing environment.

Responsibilities:

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Assist in the portfolio management of assigned donors and prospects, helping the board and staff to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support
• Utilize a moves management program for existing supporters and cultivate strong relationships with donors and prospective donors including individuals, corporations and foundations
• In partnership with Development and Communications Director, creates and executes an annual program plan which prepares for upcoming fiscal-year development efforts- including fundraising goals, budget, stewardship, appeals and events calendars

Event Planning and Management

• Plan and manage (in conjunction with staff) an annual calendar of events that complement and achieve fundraising and donor engagement goals and build member loyalty and retention
• Plan and manage the fundraising picnic, the signature fundraising event, including budget and event goal development, event logistics, supervising vendors, volunteers and staff, leading event set up, implementation, and wrap up over the course of the year
• Enthusiastically interact with donors and guests in carrying out special events
• Collaborate with programs staff and other partners on public programs and events
• Event management duties include, but are not limited to, event planning and budgeting; engaging vendors; obtaining permits; recruiting and coordinating volunteers; guest list management, may occur after office business hours

Fundraising Appeals and Communications

• Work with Development and Communications Director and development team to conceptualize and create digital and direct mail appeals to reach current and prospective donors across multiple platforms
• Target compelling communication and content strategically for unique stakeholder groups
• Build on the strengths of the existing fundraising program to develop an expanded approach in support of ambitious annual goals
• Design and deliver capital campaigns for specific conservation properties and contribute content to donor-facing materials

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of relevant development and fundraising experience
• Professional experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies and annual campaigns
• Proficiency in event management, with strong project and budget planning, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with DonorPerfect or other similar fundraising database or an aptitude to learn
• Fundraising event experience required; live and silent auction experience a plus
• Self-starter with a strong collaborative work ethic and ability to work independently
• Outgoing, professional, personable, resourceful, and calm under pressure
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule that will include some evening and weekend duties
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Possess a valid and insurable driver’s license
• Ability to thrive within a small, non-profit environment
• Bilingual Spanish language fluency a plus

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a compelling cover letter to Human Resources at hr@sblandtrust.org with the  subject: Donor Engagement Manager.

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.