Chief Philanthropy Officer; Hybrid - Los Angeles County, CA

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Heal the Bay is seeking a strategic, mission-driven fundraising leader to serve as our Chief Philanthropy Officer. This senior role is an exciting opportunity for a professional who is passionate about environmental education and advocacy and skilled in generating major gifts, grants, and philanthropic partnerships.

With climate change and pollution threatening California’s coastlines, rivers, and marine life, Heal the Bay is dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s ecosystems. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will be instrumental in securing the $6M+ in annual funding needed to advance our science, advocacy, education, and community engagement efforts.

We’re looking for a dynamic and goal-oriented leader who can inspire donors, build strategic partnerships, and drive fundraising success to support a cleaner, healthier Santa Monica Bay and beyond.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and expand financial support for Heal the Bay. This role requires an experienced and dynamic leader with a strong track record in developing and stewarding major gifts. The role also requires experience directing and managing staff responsible for donor relations, corporate partnerships, grant administration, and fundraising events.

The CPO will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth, fostering meaningful donor relationships, and positioning Heal the Bay for long-term financial sustainability.

Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and external stakeholders, the CPO will ensure that fundraising efforts align with the organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and programmatic priorities. This position requires a forward-thinking, results-driven leader who can balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution.

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising plan that strengthens and diversifies revenue streams, including individual giving, corporate sponsor ships, foundation support, and special events.
• Identify and leverage new funding opportunities within the private sector and philanthropic communities, including corporate partnerships, and cause marketing initiatives.
• Oversee grant writing and administration, ensuring high-quality proposals, compliance with reporting requirements, and alignment with Heal the Bay’s mission.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all fundraising activities in Salesforce and Egnyte, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and adherence to nonprofit best practices.

• Oversee a robust major gifts program, identifying and cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders to secure five- and six-figure contributions and multi-year commitments.
• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects and donors with giving capacity of $10,000 and above.
• Develop and execute comprehensive cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual donors.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings, donor visits, and presentations to advance prospects through the giving cycle.
• Support and direct the strategy collaboratively with the CEO and board members on major gift solicitations.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals of $1.5-2 million in major gifts revenue.
• Travel locally (up to 20%) within Los Angeles County to meet with donors, attend networking events, and strengthen funding relationships.

• Oversee the planning and execution of Heal the Bay’s three signature fundraising events, gala, golf tournament, and water agency luncheon, which collectively generate over $1.3 million in net annual income.
• Develop strategies to enhance event sponsor ships, donor participation, and community visibility to maximize revenue potential.
• Collaborate with the communications team to design compelling event messaging, donor stewardship materials, and promotional campaigns.
• Represent Heal the Bay as a…