Los Padres ForestWatch, one of the premier land and wildlife advocacy organizations along California’s central coast, is seeking a Director of Development. The position will build support for protecting the Los Padres National Forest and other public lands throughout our region. This full-time exempt position is based in Santa Barbara, California and would entail a dynamic and flexible combination of remote and office work.

Our work spans 220 miles of some of California’s most spectacular landscapes, from the famed Big Sur shoreline to the rugged backcountry of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. We protect these lands from development, mobilize volunteers to clean up trash and restore wildlife habitat, and engage underserved youth and their families to build connections with nature and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. The Director of Development will help us build on our successful nineteen-year track record of meaningful, long-lasting achievements.

ForestWatch welcomes diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees that encourages and celebrates differences. ForestWatch’s staff and Board strive to incorporate inclusive practices in the performance of all duties and responsibilities, on a consistent and ongoing basis, and continually work to increase awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

Overview of Position

The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, the Event Manager, and other team members to establish and execute a fundraising program that is creative, compelling, and effective in fulfilling the organization’s mission. The position ensures the long-term viability of ForestWatch by coordinating and implementing key fundraising and engagement strategies and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Primary responsibilities include managing our major donor program; engaging our supporters through strategic communications and storytelling; preparing and executing an annual membership renewal and recruitment plan; growing our planned giving and corporate partnership programs; and securing and tracking foundation grants.

Application Instructions

For specific job responsibilities, qualifications, compensation, and application instructions, please see our Director of Development Job Announcement. The Hiring Committee will review candidates on a rolling basis.