Director of Development

Salary: Starting rate commensurate with experience, $100,000 - $115,000.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, including occasional weekends and holiday scheduling.

Closing Date: Open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 17, 2026

Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife, focusing on birds of prey. Located in Ojai, California, ORC also provides environmental education to inspire conservation and stewardship and supports raptor conservation through research and community engagement.

The Director of Development leads ORC's development, fundraising, marketing and communications functions, working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, foundations, sponsors, and community partners.

This position is responsible for the strategy, leadership, performance and continued growth of the department, including growing support for ORC through grants, major gifts, annual giving, sponsor ships, membership, events, and donor stewardship. The Director of Development oversees ORC's development strategy, marketing and communications, donor database, and development staff while helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.

The Director owns and is accountable for departmental strategy, goals, planning, systems, staff, budget, and performance, and is expected to independently lead the department's day-to-day operations and priorities.

The successful candidate will be an organized, relationship-focused professional and experienced leader who enjoys connecting people to ORC's mission and building meaningful support for wildlife conservation.

Develop and implement ORC's annual development plan, fundraising strategy and take ownership of the department’s overall performance and results.

Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish fundraising and development priorities and goals.

Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, revenue projections, work plan, and performance goals.

Monitor fundraising and development progress and provide regular reports and updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Identify opportunities to strengthen and diversify funding sources.

Supervise development, communications, fundraising, and related support staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers.

Provide leadership, accountability, coaching, and professional development for supervised personnel.

Take ownership of the Development Department and be accountable for achieving annual fundraising goals, departmental performance, and effective execution of all development, marketing, and communications activities.

Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and supporters.

Lead major donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and fundraising activities.

Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and engagement opportunities.

Develop and implement donor acquisition, retention, and growth strategies.

Lead annual appeals, giving campaigns, donor communications, and fundraising initiatives.

Partner with board members and the executive director to strengthen donor relationships and fundraising efforts.

Identify and develop planned giving, legacy giving, endowment, and other long-term philanthropic opportunities.

Maintain ORC's grants calendar and funding pipeline.

Develop and maintain multi year funding opportunities to support organizational growth.

Research and pursue grant opportunities that align with organizational priorities.

Oversee grant applications, supporting documentation, and reporting requirements.

Manage…