Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $80,000 - $90,000
Job Title: Development Officer Southern California
Reports To: Director of Development
Location: Los Angeles Area (Remote or Hybrid)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000
Job Overview:
The Southern California Development Officer is a key frontline fundraiser responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors in Southern California. With a focus on both mid-level ($2,500$9,999) and major gifts ($10,000+), this role will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, employing strategic, metrics-driven approaches to build long-term philanthropic relationships.
The ideal candidate is curious, motivated, and highly relational with the ability to listen deeply, connect authentically, and turn shared values into enduring support for CalTrouts mission. This is a high-impact role suited for someone eager to build relationships and grow a regional donor base through creativity, follow-through, and strategy.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Manage a portfolio of 75100 donors and prospects in Southern California, with a heavy emphasis on qualification. This includes identifying capacity and inclination, building relationships from early engagement, and strategically cultivating toward mid-level ($2,500$9,999) and major gifts ($10,000+).
Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies to meet or exceed established metrics (e.g., visits, proposals, renewals, upgrades). Provide quarterly progress reports to the Director of Development.
Conduct regular donor meetings (virtual and in-person), using storytelling and tailored messaging to articulate CalTrouts mission, conservation impact, and giving opportunities.
Identify and qualify new prospects through proactive outreach, research, and collaboration with staff and partners. Expand the donor pipeline by uncovering untapped relationships and cultivating interest in CalTrouts mission.
Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions, plans, and outcomes in CalTrouts CRM (Neon). Use data to inform next steps and ensure seamless team collaboration and reporting.
Draft personalized proposals, stewardship reports, and donor communications in partnership with the Development and Communications teams.
Organize and plan key donor events in Southern California in collaboration with regional program staff and the Development Events Manager. Represent CalTrout at events, site visits, and gatherings, serving as a warm and professional ambassador.
Partner with conservation staff and program leads to stay informed and build strong internal relationships that support donor strategy and storytelling.
Skills & Qualifications:
35 years of experience in individual giving, major gifts, or relationship-based fundraising, ideally in a mission-driven nonprofit setting
Ability to create and execute donor strategies that align with organizational goals and meet clear performance metrics
A natural sense of curiosity and the drive to understand what motivates donors
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; able to build rapport and long-term relationships with a diverse donor base
Highly motivated and proactive, with a track record of taking initiative and following through
Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to convey impact in a compelling and clear way
Familiarity with donor CRMs (preferably Neon); data-savvy and detail-oriented
Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Experience planning and executing donor-focused events
Passion for environmental conservation and CalTrouts mission; familiarity with Californias ecosystems or fly fishing is a plus
Willingness to travel regularly throughout Southern California and occasionally to Northern California; occasional evening and weekend work is required
Benefits: California Trout offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience; health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), retirement plan with matching, generous holidays, PTO benefits, and sabbatical leave.
Why Join CalTrout?
At CalTrout, you will have the opportunity to lead groundbreaking conservation efforts that directly impact Californias natural ecosystems and communities. As the SoCal Development Officer, youll help shape the future of Californias rivers, fisheries, and watersheds, working alongside a dedicated team and innovative partners to achieve lasting environmental change.
Diversity: CalTrout does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Were passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.