Development Manager

California Trout Inc

California Trout Inc

Sales & Business Development
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted on Jun 6, 2023

POSITION: Development Manager

OFFICE LOCATION: Los Angeles Area, California

FUNCTIONAL AREA: Development

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Remote, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

COMPENSATION: 65K – 70K

California Trout is a highly recognized, effective and financially strong conservation-based non-profit headquartered in San Francisco. For over 50 years, CalTrout has championed a remarkable number of initiatives focused on ensuring healthy waters and resilient wild fish for a better California. CalTrout has six conservation offices around the state and works closely with a number of universities to apply “the best of science” to direct conservation projects and influence statewide policy. Our regionally-based offices partner with local communities to form strong collaborative partnerships. Our work ensures a viable and healthy future for wild fish, and people, given the looming threats of global warming, population growth, and increasing development. CalTrout is backed by a passionate Board along with highly committed donors and a strong membership base.

In 2021, its 50th anniversary year, CalTrout has completed a three-year strategic plan and has launched a $5M Impact Fund campaign. CalTrout is making a significant investment in growing its fundraising team. This expansion offers a distinct opportunity to join a powerful team of dedicated conservationists and to play a meaningful role making California a better place for future generations.

Position Summary:

Would you like to work with the most experienced environmental scientists in practice today, and professionals actually implementing profound, natural restorations for healthy wildlife and clean water? Would you like to work arm in arm with a dedicated team including board members and the executive director? Through your work, do you want to effect real and impactful change? Join us!


We are looking for a fully-remote SoCal Development Manager. The Development Manager is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of new and existing major donors and prospective donors in the Southern California region. He/she will manage annual gifts and oversee the annual giving cycle with a focus on creating cultivation paths to increase giving. They will report directly to the Development and Communications Director and work closely with the Development team to define the strategies and tactics to build CalTrout’s awareness and support in the region. This individual is expected to be able to clearly articulate CalTrout’s vision and proposition and summarize our conservation efforts at the appropriate level of detail with donors and prospects. This is a new position within the organization and offers a motivated, self-starter the opportunity to achieve great success in growing our SoCal base of supporters.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Manage a portfolio of 100 individuals, family foundations, and prospects with gifts at the $2,500 to $10,000 level with the goal of raising $1MM annually.
  • Set strategies for personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of high-level gifts from current major donors and prospects.
  • Grow the prospect pipeline as well as their portfolio with donors capable of making 5 figure gifts.
  • Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including our donor database (Neon) and wealth screening tools
  • Participate in face-to-face meetings and solicitations.
  • Work with cross-functional team to develop donor collateral including presentations, one-sheeters, donor profiles, and personal giving stories.
  • Draft proposals and reports for individuals and foundations.
  • Work closely with the Development team to create compelling, persuasive donor appeals, newsletters, and other communications.
  • Help plan and attend outreach events and fundraisers to cultivate and steward donors.
  • Effectively communicate and partner with CalTrout DevCom and conservation staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related non-profit and /or fundraising experience
  • Strong interpersonal skills and confidence to engage with sophisticated donors and prospects
  • Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with funding constituents.
  • Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
  • Familiarity and passion for conservation/environmental causes.
  • Appreciation for fly fishing and the rivers of California a plus.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, research abilities, and attention to detail.
  • Experience with fundraising and wealth screening software.
  • Ability to travel on occasion and work evenings and weekends.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented individual to contribute, learn and grow as part of a growing CalTrout team. As such, you will be part of a fun, dynamic group working in a fast paced, energized, and dynamic atmosphere.

Compensation and Benefits:

California Trout offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience; health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), retirement plan with matching, generous holidays and vacation benefits.

Diversity:

CalTrout is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects CalTrout’s mission is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.