Director of Development

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN), is an award-winning marine wildlife protection organization with operations in California, the Gulf of Mexico and Costa Rica. TIRN, a 23-year old marine wildlife restoration non-profit, was born out of the work of David Brower (we started under his umbrella at Earth Island Institute). We're now headquartered on National Park land in Marin County.

We take on the big problems of the world's oceans-shark finning, plastics pollution, industrial fishing-with a can-do attitude and a grassroots ethic that engages citizen activists. Our team includes activists who have shut down sea turtle slaughterhouses in Mexico, closed nesting beaches to development in Nicaragua, eliminated long-line fishing in critical areas of the Pacific Ocean and led the (successful) charge to ban shark-fin sales in California. 

The world's oceans are facing a crash of vital species, and TIRN is uniquely positioned to help reverse the trend. Through our marine wildlife restoration initiatives, we are leading the grassroots fight against industrial fishing and ocean exploitation.

Our projects are the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, SharkStewards, The Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, and GotMercury.org. 

Position Overview:

TIRN is seeking a full-time Director of Development to join our successful, innovative environmental organization and lead a team to raise $2.250 million annually and drive funding for our expansion plans. You'll work with the Executive Director, the Managing Director, and Board of Directors to plan fundraising strategies and monitor progress toward our revenue goals.

Specifically, the Director of Development will lead efforts to "rebalance" our revenue stream from approximately 75% institutional grants and government contracts to a 50-50 split with individual major donors and membership. Your experience and skill in raising funds will help revitalize marine wildlife populations and create a future that includes healthy ocean ecosystems.

Responsibilities:

• The Director of Development is responsible for execution in the following areas, listed in order of priority:
• Develop plans and execute partnerships to cultivate and solicit major gifts from individuals,  and sponsorships from corporations.
• Partner with existing to staff to expand the pipeline of grants from foundations and government agencies.
• To build and expand the membership program.
• Lead on-going efforts from our Galveston, TX office to develop local funding for the Gulf of Mexico program. 
• The Director of Development will be responsible for carrying out and/or directing staff and board efforts including one-on-one meetings with donors, grantwriting, direct mail, online giving, special events, public presentations, marketing, and social media. 
• S/he is responsible for providing leadership and direction to staff in order to support the organization's development efforts. 

How we'll help:

TIRN has a strong portfolio of campaign successes and hard "assets" in place:

• A story to tell: we've closed sea turtle slaughterhouses in Mexico, protected nesting beaches in Nicaragua, shut down industrial fisheries, and successfully sued the Federal government for violating environmental law.
• $1.750 million in current revenue.
• 2 full-time and 2 part-time Development staff, including a director of development for our oceans program, an education and outreach manager, a membership manager (3/4 time), and a development associate (1/2 time).
• A staff committed to Development (a significant portion of all program staff time is formally reserved for development activities).
• Program directors who've won major environmental battles (such sponsoring California's AB376, banning the sale of shark fins; closing major fisheries to industrial fishing practices such as long-lining and gill-netting).
• An ED who "gets" it, dedicating 50% of his time to development activities and working in close partnership with the Development Director.  
• An engaged board of directors that includes the Publisher of a major, award-winning progressive magazine, the director of a top-5 Law School's environmental law clinic, a past winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize, a world renowned Sea Turtle researcher/PhD in marine biology and successful entrepreneurs in the NGO space.

Qualifications:

The basics:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience executing principles related to fundraising, marketing, communication and public relations; strategic planning and partnership development.
• Proven expertise and track record with major donor and membership development.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Concentration in management, communications, nonprofit management, or other related discipline preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible growth and experience in fundraising and resource development; demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control expenses. 
• Experience with wildlife conservation and marine resource issues considered a plus.

The stuff that really sets you apart:

• Great attitude: you'll get it done.
• An entrepreneurial spirit.
• A "listen-first" ethic.
• Commitment to "the Movement."
• Passion for networking and relationship-building.
• Demonstrated track record of success in meeting seven-figure campaign targets.
• Understanding of and ability to support an integrated branding/positioning/marketing communication strategy. 
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience and comparable to other similarly-sized nonprofit organizations. We offer a competitive benefits package including three weeks of vacation, health insurance (including partial payment for family members), and 15 paid holidays. Partial telecommuting from another Bay Area location will be considered. 

To Apply:

Please email a resume and cover letter. IMPORTANT: In your cover letter, please describe the salient points in a 7-figure development campaign that you conceived and executed, and specify the tactics you used to cultivate major donors.

Thanks for your interest!  We look forward to meeting you!