Senior Development Officer

About the role

The Senior Development Officer (NorCal) is a critical frontline fundraiser and strategist arriving at a defining moment for CalTrout's major gifts program in Northern California.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Major Gift Strategy - NorCal
• Develop and lead a major gifts strategy for Northern California
• Identify where donor density exists, where upgrade potential is concentrated, and how to sequence cultivation to move CalTrout toward a $25,000+ major gifts threshold over time
• Build and maintain a clear picture of the NorCal major gifts pipeline
• Pursue new major gift prospects in the NorCal region through proactive outreach, research, and relationship development
• Partner with the Director of Development on portfolio strategy, solicitation planning, and long-term revenue growth for the NorCal region
• Major Donor Portfolio Management
• Manage a portfolio of 50+ NorCal major gift donors and prospects
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor
• Conduct regular donor meetings, both in-person and virtual
• Lead NorCal event follow-up and pipeline conversion
• Participate in regular portfolio reviews with the Director of Development
• NorCal Foundation Grants Research and prospect
• Research and prospect NorCal-based community foundations, family foundations, and private foundations with an interest in environmental conservation, watershed health, and California fisheries
• Owning the full foundation grant cycle for all assigned funders
• Collaborate with the Institutional Giving team as needed
• Collaboration and Communication
• Partner closely with conservation staff and program leads
• Draft personalized proposals, stewardship reports, and donor communications
• Represent CalTrout at NorCal events, site visits, and conservation gatherings

Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in major gifts fundraising, relationship-based development, and/or foundation grant management
• Proven ability to develop and execute major gifts strategy
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Excellent written communication skills
• Familiarity with donor CRMs
• Passion for environmental conservation and CalTrout's mission

Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Retirement plan with matching
• Generous holidays, PTO benefits, and sabbatical leave