About the Role
Sea Smart is looking for a creative and goal-oriented Development Officer to develop, execute and manage our fundraising strategy with support from our Board and Fundraising Committee. You will be responsible for bringing new individual donors and corporate partners through prospect research and cultivation strategies, manage a portfolio of existing donors with a mandate to deepen engagement and grow donor revenue as well as manage our grant database and lead grant applications. The successful candidate will be a strategic, passionate communicator responsible for meeting annual fundraising targets and will also lead Sea Smart’s fundraising events and campaigns.

You will thrive in this role if you are:
A compelling storyteller who is a self-directed, adaptable professional, driven by the mission of the organization
A true community builder, passionate about our mission and committed to building meaningful relationships with members of our philanthropic community
Enthusiastic to apply a donor centric lens to inspire funders to support Sea Smart’s mission

Key Responsibilities
With support from our Board and Fundraising Committee, you will develop and implement a five-year fundraising strategic plan that includes quarterly and annual SMART goals that focus on the below areas:
Grant and Proposal Writing, Management & Reporting (45%)
Find and track relevant grant opportunities from foundations, government, corporations and other funding sources
Write effective proposals/applications that display exceptional attention to detail and captivating storytelling
Manage the grant proposal and reporting calendars, and track activities in the project management platform
Work with project leads to track project deliverables and reporting deadlines and coordinate preparation and delivery of interim and final reports
Work closely with project leads to ensure appropriate project implementation is achieved and grant requirements are met
Donor Solicitation & Management (40%)
Note: Donors include corporate sponsors, individual donors and funders
Develop new strategies for enhanced prospecting activities and related database management to ensure robust development of the prospect pipeline
Develop and implement strategies for Donor Acquisition and Retention, especially monthly donors
Develop and implement strategies for Planned Giving
Formulate and implement donor-centered and customized strategies for acquiring, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding Donors, including rating donors and prospects in terms of inclination and capacity to give
Build and manage a portfolio of 40-60 prospects and current donors, including developing and maintaining relationships
Maintain donor databases, including detailed records of all donor interactions; ensure timely and personal appreciation and recognition is completed.
Work with the marketing and communications staff to develop and enhance promotion and recognition tools aimed at donors, including preparing quarterly and annual impact reports to share with donors
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual donor reports (internal)
Other duties as requested by the Executive Director
Fundraising Campaigns and Events (15%)
Develop and lead strategic plans for fundraising campaigns and events, particularly for key dates including Giving Tuesday, World Oceans Day, and year end giving
Lead all aspects of Annual and Campaign activities
Lead the scheduling and delivery of all Appeals
Provide data analysis for Events, Annual Campaigns and Appeals

Basic Qualifications:
3+ years of fundraising experience, preferably with nonprofits and/or corporate sponsorship
3+ years of project management experience
Exceptional fundraising, networking, writing and communications skills
Highly organized and the ability to adapt to changing priorities with tight timelines
Proven ability to develop plans, set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines
Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively persuade and inspire others
Team player and ability to work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders and partners
Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
Experience with CRM software and proficiency in the use of MS Office software
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Code of Conduct

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a nonprofit
Proficient with Keela and a grant database (e.g. Grant Advance or Grant Connect)
Demonstrated ability to secure significant gifts (e.g. $25,000+ multi-year contributions from at least five funders)
Perks
Three weeks vacation and five sick days
Health and Wellness monthly stipend
Flexible stat holidays
Hybrid work with flexible hours (pending approval from the Executive Director)
Work in a dynamic, creative, inclusive environment where your ideas, work, and contributions make a difference
Paid membership to the Association of Fundraising Professionals
Pro-deal discounts with Sea Smart’s corporate partners
Professional development opportunities including courses and events
Term of Appointment
Sea Smart’s core working hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm PST. The standard hours for this role will be 37.5 hours per week. The working hours for individual staff can be flexible pending discussion and approval from the Executive Director. There will be some occasions where you will need to work during evenings and weekends. The work hours in such weeks will be adjusted so you do not exceed 37.5 hours per week.

How to Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@seasmartschool.com . Include in the subject line [YOUR NAME] – Development Officer Application.