Director of Engagement

This is a rare opportunity to work with a dynamic team to help shape how people connect to and invest

in one of California’s most innovative conservation models at the intersection of science, stewardship,

and community.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director leads SLC’s engagement, communications, and

philanthropic strategy, translating on-the-ground conservation work into meaningful, widely

recognized, and long-term support. The role also serves as a key external representative of the

organization, strengthening visibility, partnerships, and alignment across priority audiences.

The Director supervises the Communications Manager and a contracted grants manager and works

closely with the Executive Director and Director of Finance and Administration on strategy, budgeting,

and reporting.

What Success Looks Like (12–24 Months)

• A clear, consistently executed brand that positions SLC as a regional leader in conservation

living, wildfire resilience, and biodiversity conservation

• Increased visibility and audience engagement across key channels, with measurable growth in

participation and reach

• Compelling, accessible storytelling that translates SLC’s work into clear public impact

• High-quality events and experiences that strengthen connection, reinforce brand, and drive

philanthropy

• A growing and diversified philanthropic pipeline fueled by stronger messaging and engagement

• Aligned, organization-wide outreach with consistent messaging and shared priorities

Primary Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Relationship Building (40%)

• Set and execute a clear engagement strategy that expands participation, strengthens

relationships, and advances organizational priorities

• Develop and lead programs, events, and field experiences that connect people to SLC’s work

and create pathways for ongoing involvement

• Build and manage strategic partnerships with residents, community leaders, agencies, and

aligned organizations

• Support the Executive Director as a key external representative of SLC, building visibility,

trust, and alignment across priority audiences

• Collaborate across teams to integrate engagement into stewardship, science, and

communications

• Define and track engagement metrics to evaluate impact, inform strategy, and continuously

improve outreach

Philanthropy & Revenue Generation (30%)

• Lead strategy and execution of fundraising efforts

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors

• Partner with the Executive Director on major gift strategy and key philanthropic relationships

• Align fundraising strategies with brand, messaging, and campaign narratives to strengthen

donor acquisition and retention

• Oversee donor stewardship, tracking, and reporting using Little Green Light CRM

• Coordinate annual appeals, campaigns, planned giving, and grant efforts with staff and

contractors

Communications & Organizational Visibility (25%)

• Lead an integrated communications strategy in partnership with the Communications Manager

• Define and steward SLC’s brand strategy, voice, and visual identity across all platforms

• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across digital, print, events, and media

• Guide storytelling that translates ecological and wildfire resilience work into clear, relatable

impact

• Develop and execute audience growth strategies across digital channels, events, and strategic

partnerships

• Track, analyze, and report on communications performance metrics (reach, engagement,

conversion)

• Identify and pursue earned media, speaking, and thought leadership opportunities that elevate

regional and statewide visibility

• Serve as senior staff liaison to SLC’s Communications Committee

Staff Leadership & Development (5%)

• Model leadership and professionalism with staff, providing clear direction, coaching, and

performance feedback

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture across ecological management, outreach,

development, and finance

• Promote cross-program alignment and shared understanding of how individual work advances

SLC-wide goals

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or

community engagement

• Demonstrated success cultivating and stewarding philanthropic support, including major gifts

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted

relationships across diverse audiences

• Experience integrating communications, storytelling, and fundraising strategies

• Proven ability to lead events, campaigns, or engagement initiatives that drive measurable results

• Strong organizational and leadership skills, including team supervision and cross-functional

collaboration

• Familiarity with conservation, environmental education, or land management is preferred

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $140,000, commensurate with experience.

SLC offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, an FSA, life

insurance, a 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match, 12 paid holidays, vacation, and paid sick leave.

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