This is a full time, newly created position with NatureBridge. Founded in 1971 as Yosemite Institute and based in San Francisco, NatureBridge is a leader in residential field science and environmental education for America’s youth.  Our mission is to inspire a personal connection to the natural world and responsible actions to sustain it. 

A signature partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge currently operates campuses in Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Each year, we engage more than 30,000 people from ethnically and economically diverse backgrounds in environmental education, youth leadership, and teacher training programs. Over the past 40 years, we have introduced approximately one million students to the wonder of our national parks and inspired them to engage in conservation and service.

NatureBridge prioritizes recruiting and retaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve. NatureBridge is a 501(c)3 organization. For more information, visit www.naturebridge.org

Summary

The Southern California Grants Officer will have a unique opportunity to build a funding base for an established non-profit expanding into a new region. NatureBridge is looking for an entrepreneurial, self-directed individual who can combine skill, creativity, and drive to take our organization to the next level in Southern California. Our 40-year track record of success creates the perfect launching pad for a resourceful, innovative, and motivated person to develop a brand-new portfolio of funders, primarily in support of our recently opened Santa Monica Mountains campus.

Specifically, the Southern California Grants Officer will be responsible for cultivating, sustaining, and expanding a strong base of institutional funders from across the region, raising approximately $500,000 annually. The position reports to the Grants Manager in NatureBridge’s San Francisco office and requires close partnership with regional staff, including (but not limited to) the Santa Monica Mountains Campus Director and the Southern California Individual Giving Officer. The position will be based out of our office in Woodland Hills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Building and Sustaining a Funding Base

Develop a comprehensive and detailed strategy for:

• meeting annual fundraising goals;
• raising NatureBridge’s profile in Southern California;
• engaging new Southern California and national funders; and
• supporting ongoing relationships with existing funders.
• Conduct ongoing prospect research to identify new funding opportunities and build relationships with new funders.
• Write and submit well-conceived, compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports.
• Facilitate thoughtful, individualized stewardship of new and existing donors.

Internal Communications and Tracking

• Track all activities in NatureBridge’s donor database.
• Prepare budget projections, workplans, and internal reports to assure progress toward goals.
• Communicate regularly with appropriate campus staff and participate in relevant meetings.
• Lead inter-departmental and/or inter-campus groups of staff to develop fundraising strategies, prepare proposals, and create reports.
• Engage Board members in identifying and reaching out to contacts.

Other

• Assist with editing and proofreading of proposals, reports, or other NatureBridge materials.
• Participate in regional and national Board of Directors meetings and preparation as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Competencies, and Education

• Commitment to the mission of NatureBridge.
• Thorough knowledge of the Southern California funding landscape.
• At least five years of professional grantwriting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Proven ability to strategically build a grants portfolio.
• Proven ability to write high-quality, successful grant proposals.
• Possession of both an entrepreneurial spirit and aptitude for working within a team.
• Availability for occasional travel to NatureBridge campuses/offices.
• Prior non-profit experience, as well as familiarity with education and/or environment fields, is preferred but not required.

Full benefits will be provided and salary will be commensurate with experience.