Development Associate

Do you have a head for data and a heart for the environment? This job could be for you!

The Coastal Watershed Council in Santa Cruz is seeking a dedicated development associate to drive our fundraising efforts and support connecting our community with a thriving San Lorenzo River. Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Development Associate is responsible for administrative duties and coordinating activities related to fundraising and engagement. You’ll thrive in this role if you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy, with an interest in deepening your knowledge in non-profit development.  

Key responsibilities of this position include managing CWC’s Salesforce database, maintaining accurate records, processing donations, assisting in donor stewardship, and supporting grants management to ensure the success of our environmental education, habitat enhancement, and community engagement programs.

To Apply: Email your resume to info@coastal-watershed.org with “Development Associate” in the subject line.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until June 23, 2024, or until the position is filled. 

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Development Associate
Reports To: Communications Manager
Location: Santa Cruz (Hybrid)
Classification: Full time, 30-36 hours per week
Rate: $22.50-$26.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Health (up to $500/mo.), vision and dental insurance, professional development, meaningful paid time off, and a 3% matching retirement contribution after a 90- day introductory period. 

About the Coastal Watershed Council  

The Coastal Watershed Council is a dynamic and growing 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Santa Cruz, CA, working to conserve the San Lorenzo River by inspiring people to explore and protect this critical natural resource. When people care for the river, learn about its significance, and build a connection to nature, it benefits both the river ecosystem and the community. We seek an enthusiastic learner who is excited to become a member of our dedicated team and join our culture of growth and connection. CWC’s work takes place on unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi tribe.   

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Development Associate is responsible for administrative duties and coordinating activities related to fundraising. You’ll thrive in this role if you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy, with an interest in deepening your knowledge in non-profit development. As the backbone of CWC's fundraising teams, you will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Communications Manager, and other key stakeholders to establish a solid foundation for our organization's growth and the success of our environmental and community programs to revitalize the San Lorenzo River.  

Development Associate Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Manage Salesforce CRM database: maintain accurate records, process donations, manage contact records, acknowledge donors and volunteers, track program participants, identify and implement enhancements for optimizing data accuracy, and generate reports.
• Coordinate logistics for 3+ donor appeals annually, including running detailed donor lists, mail merges, bulk email, printing, and mailing processes, etc.
• Assist with research, cultivation, and stewardship of donors and funders in collaboration with CWC staff
• Participate in grants management, including sourcing organizational documents, images, and reports from relevant staff members.
• Support Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and fundraising teams in workflows, including monitoring the development plan to help prioritize and schedule meetings, recording meeting notes, and scheduling timely donor meetings and communications.
• Assist with office administration, including processing mail and creating a welcoming and functional office space for team members and visitors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CWC Employee Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Strategize, evaluate, and prioritize activities to achieve project, organizational and fundraising goals and objectives.
• Contribute to the strategic development and improvement of CWC programs, budgets, practices, and policies, with an emphasis on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Provide cross-departmental support by actively participating in and aiding various programs, including positively representing and communicating about your contributions to CWC’s work
• Communicate quickly and effectively with supervisor and colleagues about project challenges and opportunities. Understand limitations and execute tasks to the best of your ability.
• Implement CWC safety protocols, including field and public health protocols.
• Keep workspaces clean, safe and organized, and maintain a daily record of activities.

Education & Experience (required):  

• Proficiency with database management, including Salesforce, or a comparable customer relationship management (CRM) tool

Education & Experience (preferred):  

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (required):   

• Organized, detail-oriented, with strong follow-through.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills.
• Comfort with working independently and driving workflows with a team of collaborators in a hybrid remote/in-person team.
• Availability to work occasional evening and weekend events as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (preferred):   

• Demonstrated success in supporting fundraising or related campaigns.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and basic environmental principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate with donors and volunteers in English and Spanish.

Additional Information:  

• Direct Reports: 0
• Travel Requirements: Minimal
• License and Certification Requirements: California Class C Driver’s License and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred.

Disclaimer:   

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  

The Coastal Watershed Council reserves the right to alter this description at any time. The Coastal Watershed Council practices the concept of equal employment opportunity with respect to hiring, promotions, transfers, pay discipline, fringe benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. No individual will be discriminated against, and no employment decisions will be made, on the basis of an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, protected disability, marital status, familial status, veteran status, height, weight, or citizenship.  

CWC is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. CWC prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all personnel transactions, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, training, compensation, benefits, leave of absence, transfer, promotion, demotion, discipline, layoff, and termination.   

CWC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ persons are highly encouraged to apply.