Philanthropy Officer

Yucca Valley Material Lab (YVML) is a nonprofit arts organization committed to hands-on making, material experimentation, and meaningful exchange. Through residencies, workshops, and public programming, we support underrepresented artists while cultivating an inclusive creative ecosystem rooted in collaboration, discovery, and shared knowledge.

We do this work because we believe art shapes a world worth living in.

Philanthropy Officer Job Description

The Philanthropy Officer is a core member of Yucca Valley Material Lab’s staff and plays a key role in strengthening relationships with donors and prospects to secure funding for YVML’s future. This position is responsible for leading donor engagement strategies, stewarding relationships, and supporting the successful execution of the Campaign for Creative Access and annual fundraising initiatives. The Philanthropy Officer works closely with the YVML Director, staff, and Board to advance fundraising goals, strengthen development systems, and support the long-term sustainability of YVML.

This is a hybrid role combining remote work with periodic in-person engagement. In-person responsibilities include scheduled donor events, and approximately 3–4 donor engagement meetings per month at YVML sites or within the region, typically alongside the YVML Director. Additional in-person meetings may be scheduled as needed by mutual agreement.

This is a part-time position (approximately 25 - 30 hours per week). The role is expected to begin with an initial six-month term, with the potential for extension based on organizational needs and funding.

To apply, send a resume with two references and a cover letter to info@yvml.org.

Campaign for Creative Access:

Maintain and update the Campaign prospect list on a weekly basis

Track Campaign donations and pledges

Coordinate Volunteer Committee tasks, communications, and meetings

Support planning and execution of Campaign-related events

Assist with Campaign messaging and donor communications

Manage and advance Campaign Plan tasks and timelines

Draft and maintain Campaign-related policies and documentation

Oversee ongoing edits and updates to the Campaign microsite

Implement the Campaign endowment strategy in coordination with leadership

Annual Giving:

Implement an annual strategy for online fundraising appeals and campaigns in collaboration with the YVML Director

Manage and maintain the Fundraising Planning Matrix

Moves Management + Prospect Management (for both Campaign for Creative Access and Annual Giving)

Manage a structured moves management process and donor pipeline to support both campaign and annual fundraising goals:

Identification: find and qualify potential donors who have the capacity and inclination to give

Qualification: conduct prospect research to assess readiness for cultivation and solicitation

Cultivation: build and manage direct relationships with qualified prospects, serving as the primary relationship manager

In Person Outreach: help coordinate and participate in 3–4 in-person donor engagement meetings per month (lunches or coffees), held at YVML sites or in the region, alongside the Director; board members may be included selectively for guest invitations and relationship-building

Solicitation: prepare the YVML Director for donor asks and participate in asks when appropriate

Stewardship: ensure timely acknowledgment, fulfillment of donor deliverables, and long-term relationship retention

CRM Administration:

Manage donor records, activities, pledges, and reporting within the CRM

Maintain and update online donation forms and ensure accurate fund allocation

Maintain data integrity, including identifying and resolving duplicate records

Development Operations:

Monitor donation transactions daily

Monitor vehicle donations weekly

Review and document donor contact interactions on an ongoing basis

Ensure accurate tracking of pledges, payments, and donor deliverables

Coordinate internal reporting to support fundraising progress and financial reconciliation

Track and analyze fundraising performance, donor engagement, and pipeline activity to help inform development strategy and campaign progress

Policies + Procedures:

Develop, document, and maintain YVML-specific fundraising policies, procedures, templates, and related documentation

Ensure fundraising operations align with nonprofit compliance standards, including donor intent documentation, gift acceptance policies, and applicable accounting and reporting standards

Collaborate with the YVML Director and Board as needed to ensure appropriate review, governance alignment, and approval

Non-Profit Tasks:

As with any non-profit there are a variety of tasks that will need to be performed to help strengthen the overall organization outside the details of this job description

Minimum 2 years of fundraising or development experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization

Demonstrated experience in donor relations, cultivation, and stewardship

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience working with CRM systems and maintaining accurate donor records

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team

Comfort with in-person donor engagement, including meetings and events

Alignment with YVML’s mission of accessibility, hands-on making, and community engagement