Development Director - Ocean and Watershed Conservation

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is an award-winning ocean conservation nonprofit organization with offices in California and Texas. For 30 years, TIRN has led the grassroots fight against extinction locally, nationally and internationally. We take on the big problems of the world’s oceans and watersheds — industrial fishing, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss — with a can-do attitude and highly motivated, passionate individuals.

TIRN is seeking a full-time, hands-on Development Director to join our fast-paced, innovative environmental organization and be a key part of our ocean and watershed conservation efforts.

Learn more about our work at www.seaturtles.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director works with the Executive Director and Managing Director to plan, execute, lead and monitor progress of fundraising strategies towards a $4 million and growing annual revenue goal.

This is an exciting position to implement and grow effective fundraising strategies. The Development Director will supervise a driven development team with the understanding that this is a hands-on position and we all pitch in to support each other’s work as part of a dynamic, fast-paced organization.

In order for TIRN to continue to scale to meet our bold vision and myriad ocean and watershed campaigns and projects, it is essential that our funding and supporter streams continue to grow. Our development goals include an increase in long-term, unrestricted general operating support major funders, maintenance and growth in private foundation grants, growth in individual donors through direct mail, email and social media, and expansion of corporate sponsorship opportunities and planned giving programs. Furthermore, we want to continue to grow our activist support base that takes action on behalf of endangered species and ecosystems.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with management and Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, steward and solicit gifts from a portfolio of donors
• Maintain and increase giving and estate gifts from donors and prospective donors
• Meet as a team and/or individually with key donors and prospective donors, and to engage prospects in our work through partner meetings, outings and events
• Work collaboratively with management and staff to implement annual fundraising plans, develop strategies to execute and achieve these goals, and explore new income streams
• Evaluate and update annual fundraising plans, manage development calendar and coordinate across development and communications team members and consultants for effective implementation
• Actively participate in, mentor and supervise development staff in:
• Foundation and prospect research
• Donor stewardship and acknowledgement
• Individual donor initiatives (including monthly giving, appeals and membership renewal)
• Email, social media and online fundraising efforts
• Direct mail donor acquisitions
• Estate giving initiatives
• Creative ways to grow supporter base
• Work with Development Manager to help improve organizational systems and platforms for using and tracking information about past, current, and prospective donors and grants, tracking foundation and donor relationships, and donor acknowledgments.

HOW WE WILL HELP

TIRN has an experienced, passionate and dedicated management team complemented by a strong portfolio of campaign successes, members and donors, and hard “assets” in place.

Additionally, we have an incredible story to tell! We’ve closed sea turtle slaughterhouses in Mexico, protected nesting beaches in Nicaragua, shut down industrial fisheries, proposed paradigm shifting marine protected areas, removed dams, restored creeksides to protect endangered salmon, re-created critical floodplain habitat, and successfully sued the Federal government for violating environmental law.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in fundraising with a demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control expenses – including strong familiarity with nonprofit fundraising best practices
• Proven track record with grantmaking, foundations and major and individual donors
• Excellent knowledge of CRM technology and appropriate software (e.g. Salesforce, Engaging Networks, Foundation Directory Online, social media, online giving platforms)
• Highly motivated, intellectual curiosity, mission-driven, self-directed and a sense of humor with the ability to manage multiple projects and work according to specific deadlines
• Keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills that support and enable sound decision making
• Skill at building and growing relationships with foundations, donors, businesses and non-financial supporters
• Interpersonal communication and marketing skills; excellent oral communication and ability to participate in public speaking events
• Bachelor’s degree required
• A commitment to ocean and watershed protection

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to work occasional long hours, nights, and weekends as needed
• Ability to be available via text, phone and Zoom to problem solve urgent concerns as they arise