Director of Development

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts for a high-profile client in the conservation, education, and cultural sector. This individual will serve as the client’s primary development lead, managing all aspects of their fundraising program, while being employed by and reporting to Mockingbird Analytics.

The Director of Development will be embedded with the client’s team and will work exclusively on their fundraising priorities, including major gifts, individual giving, corporate partnerships, grants, special events, and campaign strategies. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned development professional to shape and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for a nationally recognized organization with a mission centered on wildlife, sustainability, and community engagement.

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development plan to increase individual, corporate, and foundation support.
• Partner with client leadership to set annual revenue goals and track progress toward fundraising targets.
• Provide strategic counsel to the client’s executive team and board on donor engagement and fundraising best practices.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors using a moves management framework, with a focus on major donors and annual giving.
• Oversee donor recognition and stewardship activities, ensuring timely acknowledgements and personalized engagement. Provide relationship-focused human service that deepens donor commitment.
• Coordinate VIP benefits—guiding private tours, exclusive events, and concierge support.
• Manage and grow the existing planned giving program. Campaign & Fundraising Program Oversight
• Manage all aspects of annual giving campaigns, donor circle programs, and special initiatives.
• Collaborate with the client’s sponsorship partner as needs and opportunities arise. Publish and maintain clear donation channels (online, mail, phone)

Team Management & Collaboration

• Supervise and collaborate with development support staff, including an associate-level staff member dedicated part-time to this client.
• Coordinate closely with Mockingbird Analytics leadership to ensure alignment with client goals and contractual obligations.
• Work with the client’s communications and program teams to ensure consistent messaging and donor engagement across all platforms.

Operations & Reporting

• Collaborate with the Mockingbird Analytics team to select and create the client’s new CRM system.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect data within the client’s CRM system.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising performance for leadership and the client’s Board, and attend the Board’s meetings as required.
• Manage development department budgets and ensure compliance with all
• fundraising regulations and ethical standards set forth by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit. development, with a track record in major gifts and campaign planning.
• Demonstrated success in securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundraising databases (ex., Bloomerang, Donor Perfect, Blackbaud, etc.), as well as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute and deliver results under deadlines.
• Passion for conservation, education, cultural engagement, or related causes.
• Candidates must be located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Please note that this position is fully dedicated to one client and requires regular on-site presence at their location. Presence will also be required at occasional evening and weekend events or donor meetings.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply!