Development Assistant

Location:         Santa Cruz, CA

Supervisor:    Chapter Director, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Status:             Full-time, Exempt

What We Need

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Development Assistant, a position responsible for supporting the fundraising efforts of the Foundation.  This work entails providing administrative development support to the Chapter Director, including Salesforce data entry and maintenance, donor correspondence management, events organization and support, prospect research, and general administrative tasks. The ideal candidate is tech-savvy, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ideally, this candidate will have some experience working with a nonprofit fundraising team and putting on special events. Experience with Salesforce (entering data and running reports) or a similar donor database is strongly desired but not required. 

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, is the official nonprofit partner and chief advocate of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, dedicated to conserving this key marine ecosystem. We leverage local Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, and Silicon Valley partnerships to support our conservation, education, and research missions. Our work is vital for global environmental health, and our team is passionate about marine conservation. To learn more, visit: www.montereybayfoundation.org  

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

What You’ll Do

The Development Assistant will report to and work closely with the Chapter Director to support Chapter fundraising efforts. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:   

Development and Donor Database Management 

• Enter/maintain accurate and timely data into Salesforce for prospects, donors, contributions, gifts, and grants.
• Create reports to drive fundraising strategies.
• Help track, prepare, and send donor tax acknowledgment letters, thank you cards, and other correspondence. 
• Work with the finance department to accurately track incoming revenue. 
• Conduct research on potential funders.
• Help schedule and prepare the Chapter Director for donor/prospect meetings.  
• Assist with online and year-end direct mail fundraising campaigns.

Special Events

• Assist the team in planning and executing exciting special events, including the annual Sea Stars Celebration, to enhance donor relationships and increase funding. (See: https://montereybayfoundation.org/event/sea-stars-celebration for more information on the Sea Stars event.)
• Help manage sponsor benefit activations.
• Help manage fundraising auctions.
• Provide logistical support for event committees.

 Grants and Communications

• Work across departments to track grant deliverables, impact reports, and deadlines to ensure compliance with partner requirements and internal and external approval policies.  
• Collaborate with the communications department for fundraising messaging and cause-marketing campaigns.

Who You Are 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to quickly learn multiple other computer software programs as needed (i.e., Salesforce, Concur, Mailchimp, Asana, Canva, Adobe, ADP, etc.). 
• Strong communication skills and exacting attention to detail, with skills in proofreading and formatting documents.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Very strong interpersonal skills to work with donors effectively and courteously, inspiring their desire to engage with our Foundation. 

 Preferred Qualifications 

• One to two years of experience on a nonprofit fundraising team;
• Knowledge of and experience using Salesforce as a fundraising CRM;
• Knowledge of the following systems: Microsoft Teams, and Asana (for implementing projects)
• Demonstrated commitment to ocean stewardship.

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies. 

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service

Compensation and Benefits: $52,000 - $56,000 annually based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references are required. Applications received by May 14, 2024, will be preferred. 

Location: Hybrid: Foundation’s office is in Santa Cruz, CA, with occasional travel to other locations required for special events around the sanctuary. Some telework available.

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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service