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Senior Development Manager
California Trout Inc
San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Feb 21, 2025
Job Title: Senior Development Manager
Location: San Francisco, CA
Functional Area: Development
Status: Full-Time (Hybrid), Exempt
Reports To: Director of Development
Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 / year
CalTrout seeks a strategic and relationship-focused Senior Development Manager of Donor Engagement to lead the engagement, cultivation, and stewardship of mid-level donors giving between $1,000 and $25,000. This role is integral to strengthening CalTrout’s donor pipeline, fostering long-term relationships, and driving increased support for our mission to protect California’s wild fish and waterways.
The Senior Development Manager will collaborate closely with the Events Manager to plan and execute high-impact engagement events and secure corporate sponsorships. This position also partners with the Annual Fund Manager and Southern California Donor Manager to ensure streamlined, data-driven strategies for mid-level donor engagement and stewardship.
At CalTrout, you will have the opportunity to lead groundbreaking conservation efforts that directly impact California’s natural ecosystems and communities. As the Senior Development Manager, you’ll help shape the future of California’s rivers, fisheries, and watersheds, working alongside a dedicated team and innovative partners to achieve lasting environmental change.
Roles & Responsibilities:
· Donor Engagement and Cultivation ($1,000 - $25,000 Level)
o Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, steward, and upgrade mid-level donors.
o Serve as the primary relationship manager for mid-level donors, creating tailored outreach plans to drive increased giving.
o Collaborate with the Director of Development to identify and transition donors for major gift cultivation.
o Conduct donor meetings, appreciation calls, and follow-up outreach to strengthen relationships and secure multi-year commitments.
· Event Leadership and Stewardship Activities
o Collaborate with the Events Manager and Director of Development to identify and secure corporate sponsorships for events.
o Work closely with the Events Manager to plan and execute key engagement events, including fishing trips, appreciation events, and VIP experiences.
o Ensure events offer strategic opportunities for donor stewardship, upgrades, and targeted asks.
o Lead follow-up efforts for event attendees, providing personalized outreach and engagement plans.
· Giving Circle Management
o Oversee and grow CalTrout mid-level Giving Circles, ensuring members receive tailored engagement, stewardship, and recognition.
o Develop exclusive benefits, events, and communications for Giving Circle members in collaboration with the Events Manager.
o Implement targeted solicitation strategies to encourage increased giving and long-term commitment.
o Analyze Giving Circle participation trends to identify upgrade opportunities and ensure retention.
o Work with the Director of Development to transition high-potential Giving Circle donors into major gift cultivation.
o Partner with the Annual Fund Manager to ensure Giving Circles are integrated into campaign strategies and collaborate on strategic outreach to prospective Giving Circle members.
· Campaign Support and Strategic Coordination
o Collaborate with the Annual Fund Manager to implement follow-up strategies for donors responding to annual campaigns and appeals.
o Utilize data and performance reports to prioritize engagement efforts, including targeted donor upgrades.
o Coordinate with the Southern California Donor Manager to ensure consistency in mid-level donor outreach and strategy across regions.
o Support special initiatives, such as peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and giving challenges, to engage mid-level donors.
· Corporate Sponsorship Collaboration
o Partner with the Events Manager and Director of Development to develop and maintain corporate partnerships.
o Assist with the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate sponsors for key fundraising events and initiatives.
o Ensure corporate sponsors receive timely impact reports and are recognized appropriately in event materials and communications.
· Data-Driven Donor Strategy
o Use CRM data and donor research to inform engagement strategies and efficiently manage the mid-level donor portfolio.
o Regularly track and report on donor retention, upgrades, and revenue goals.
o Provide qualitative feedback from donor interactions to inform department-wide fundraising strategies.
· Cross-Departmental Collaboration
o Work closely with the communications and outreach and engagement teams to develop compelling stories and impact reports.
o Participate in development planning sessions to align donor engagement efforts with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
Requirements & Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. Relevant experience in fundraising, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, or related fields will be considered in place of a degree.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, or related areas. Candidates with a strong track record in relationship management and revenue generation will also be considered
- Proven track record of managing successful events and personalized donor engagement strategies.
- Experience working with corporate sponsorships or partnerships is preferred.
- Familiarity with using data to inform donor segmentation, tracking, and campaign performance.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage mid-level donors and corporate sponsors effectively.
- Proficiency in CRM databases (Salesforce preferred) and data-driven campaign strategies.
- Excellent project management and organizational abilities, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking – Ability to develop and execute data-driven donor engagement plans.
- Communication Skills – Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate CalTrout’s mission and impact in ways that resonate with donors and corporate partners.
- Donor Relationship Management – Skilled at cultivating and upgrading mid-level donor relationships through personalized engagement.
- Event Leadership – Experience leading donor engagement events that foster strong relationships and inspire increased giving.
- Listening and Empathy – Attentive listening and empathy to understand and align with donor values, addressing their interests and concerns effectively.
- Collaboration – Ability to work across regions and departments, collaborating with the Events Manager, Annual Fund Manager, and Southern California Donor Manager.
- Results-Oriented – Focused on meeting and exceeding fundraising targets through strategic outreach and follow-up.
- Mission-Driven Focus – Commitment to CalTrout’s conservation goals, with the ability to passionately convey the significance of supporting California’s waterways, fish, and ecosystems.
Physical Demands:
This role primarily involves sitting for extended periods, using a computer, and attending meetings. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. The position requires sufficient vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to perform essential job functions such as reading, computer work, and communication. Occasional travel within California may be necessary, along with participation in outdoor events that may involve walking on uneven terrain and exposure to various weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Benefits: California Trout offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience; health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), retirement plan with matching, generous holidays, PTO benefits, and sabbatical leave.
California Trout (CalTrout) is a highly recognized and effective 501(c)3 conservation organization headquartered in San Francisco. For over 50 years, CalTrout has championed a remarkable number of initiatives focused on solving complex resource issues that balance the needs of fish and people. CalTrout has six regionally based offices located in key geographies where wild fish influence local communities. Our professional staff drives innovative, science-based solutions that work for the diverse interests of fish, farms, commerce and the community. CalTrout is backed by a passionate Board of Directors, 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.
Diversity: CalTrout does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.