Director of Development

Job Summary

Los Angeles Maritime Institute, now surpassing 30 years, is focused on delivering extraordinary and transformational programs for youth.  Our primary focus is on middle school students while also serving upper elementary, high school and college students.   Its mission is to empower youth to discover their greater potential through extraordinary at-sea experiences aboard educational sailing vessels built to train and equip young people with 21st century leadership skills, and inspire maritime and STEM career paths.  We envision a thriving community where every young person can look to the future with confidence and navigate successfully and responsibly in life.

Since its founding, more than 130,000 young people from throughout Southern California have had the opportunity to directly benefit from participation in hands-on learning experiences through the TopSail Youth Program. LAMI continues to give “real life” context to subjects like science, mathematics, engineering, history, and literature, and to raise awareness about environmental impacts to our oceans and local waters.

We seek a strategic, professional individual who is passionate about our mission and eager to partner with the Executive Director and staff to lead and grow the organization’s funding through donors, grants, and sponsorships.  The position of Director of Development provides an opportunity to work in a fun, casual and flexible work environment with a close-knit community of people.

Responsibilities

Donor Research, Outreach, Cultivation, Solicitation, Stewardship:

Develop fundraising strategy while partnering with internal stakeholders as needed to create/innovative new opportunities in support of over $1M for all categories and levels.
Implement a strategy to include funding and donor projections
Cultivate and solicit new donors, while engaging and stewarding existing ones.
Develop and maintain membership events, while fostering new participation.
Provide internal coordination and logistical leadership of special fundraising and program events for the organization, and working with all staff to establish event timelines, long-term scheduling, and tracking assignments and progress to event readiness, working with board members, vendors and contractors as appropriate. Lead team efforts to solicit gifts and other in-kind donations that support event success. Includes annual events such as: gala, membership drive, patron events, campaigns, and others.
Conducts research, outreach and stewardship plans as needed to identify and cultivate: grant opportunities and education and corporate partner prospects.
Write persuasive grant proposals for successful awards.
Maintain donor and member records, including appropriate reports and letters

Generally, Participate in Collective Work of the Team by Assisting With:

Participate in marketing and special outreach projects and initiatives as needed.
Engagement in those activities that intersect with programming and internal administration.
Represents LAMI in a variety of community settings including funder, provider and community meetings and events
Other projects and assignments as needed.
Qualifications

3-6 years of professional work experience
Experience with Board of Directors and Major funders
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership ability
Strong presentation skills
Experienced and comfortable facilitating groups
Organized, detail-oriented and strongly motivated to follow through
Ability to cultivate and build relationships with potential donors
Ability to manage multiple priorities using planning and problem-solving skills
Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse populations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Available to work occasional evenings and weekends
Valid CA DL and reliable transportation to attend events
Familiarity with the use of database/information management systems
Proficiency with MS Office/Google Suite and Slack, preferred

DESIRED/ PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Bachelors or Masters degree: Nonprofit Mgmt., Business, or related field
Preference for individuals with a background in non-profit work and an understanding of non-profit fundraising processes and history of supporting special events.
Project management experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift and carry weights up to 20lbs
Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on the boat
Ability to stare at a computer/monitor for long periods at a time
Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile
Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits:

Regular, full-time/Exempt role
Full Benefits package and competitive salary