Development Manager

Los Angeles Waterkeeper (LAW), a dynamic environmental nonprofit organization that fights for the health of the region’s waters and communities, is seeking a highly motivated, well-organized individual with strong fundraising and project management skills to join our team as Development Manager. This position will manage LAW’s grants portfolio and donor stewardship program, as well as support fundraising administration and event coordination.  Candidates should have broad experience in fundraising, written communications (grant writing & donor appeals), and have strong project management skills. This position will work under the Managing Director and actively collaborate with the Communications Manager, Development Manager, Community Engagement Manager, and other key staff. Professional or volunteer experience within an environmental organization preferred.

Start Date – As soon as possible, with a target start by July 7, 2026

Responsibilities:

Grant Writing & Management

• Research foundation, corporate and government grants to identify potential funding sources for LAW.
• Effectively project manage the grants portfolio to ensure proposals & reports are submitted in a timely fashion.
• Oversee drafting & submission of grants & reports in collaboration with program staff and LAW’s Managing Director.
• Development of cases of support / templates to ensure consistent submittals.

Individual Giving

• Partner with the Managing Director and Communications Manager to support fundraising appeals and donor cultivation activities.
• Oversee execution of LAW’s stewardship strategy and refine as needed.
• Support the development of donor collateral, including proposals and impact reports.

Fundraising Administration

• Oversee the administration of fundraising systems and donor databases, including donation and pledge tracking, donor acknowledgements, data analysis and prospect research.
• Develop data-informed prospect and email lists.

Event Coordination

• Support LAW’s key programmatic and fundraising events aimed at recruiting new donors, members and volunteers as well as educating and engaging the public and ecosystem partners in LAW’s work and critical water issues facing the LA region.
• In partnership with the Managing Director, Community Engagement Manager, & Event Planning contractor and other key staff, oversee project management and coordination of events aligned with various LAW campaigns and fundraising goals. Events include a signature annual event (Making Waves), research symposiums and other public convenings.

Administrative support

• Undertake administrative tasks related to position, such as developing reports to the LAW board of directors and committees; participating in staff meetings and activities; managing timesheets, work plan and budgets; recruiting and overseeing interns and volunteers as needed, etc.

Qualifications & Requirements:

The Development Manager will be a personable, creative, dynamic, well-organized, and highly motivated person with experience in fundraising and a strong interest in environmental protection. Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 4 years of experience with fundraising, budget and project management, event planning and coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex (environmental) policy issues into understandable and compelling language to inform and engage diverse communities.
• Skilled at project management including ability to develop and oversee timelines, task lists and budgets, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize goals in line with our strategic direction.
• Proficiency with fundraising and project management tools, ideally the Microsoft suite, Asana, Qgiv, and/or Bloomerang.
• Some work, academic or volunteer experience with environmental issues a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting juggling multiple projects under tight deadlines, including displaying excellent problem-solving skills, organizational instincts, thoroughness with details, and commitment to following through with responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in a small nonprofit environment where teamwork, creativity, and flexibility are valued.
• Commitment to DEI, helping promote a culture of equity and inclusion across the organization.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Some evening and weekend work is required for events throughout the year.
• Travel within LA County and access to reliable automobile required.
• Able to work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day and sit at a desk for extended periods; able to read a computer screen and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
• Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
• For events, meetings, and a safe office, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly requested from all staff and personnel.

Salary, Benefits & Terms:

Salary – $75,000 – $85,000 based on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Managing Director.

Benefits:  

• paid health, vision, and dental insurance
• 403(b)-retirement plan with match
• hybrid work option (remote and in-office)
• generous paid time off policy
• 13 holidays observed annually
• Winter break Dec 24 – Jan 1

To Apply:

We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis. Please apply online. You may also submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to careers@lawaterkeeper.org by June 1, 2026.

An Equal Opportunity Employer:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.  LA Waterkeeper seeks and encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Persons with Disabilities, Women and gender-nonconforming people especially in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented. We do not discriminate based on any class protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations:

If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the hiring process, please email us at nikh@lawaterkeeper.org

About Los Angeles Waterkeeper:

LA Waterkeeper was founded in 1993, and today the organization is leading the fight for the health of the region’s waterways, and for sustainable, equitable and resilient water supplies.  We envision the LA region as an international leader on integrated, sustainable, and equitable water management; a region that is water self-sufficient, and where all waterways throughout the county are safe, healthy, and accessible to the public. Learn more at lawaterkeeper.org.

Tagged as: Advocacy/Communications, Conservation