Development Manager

The California Council on Science and Technology seeks a Development Manager to strategically formulate and execute plans for enhancing fundraising and donor engagement. Responsibilities include cultivating donor relationships, orchestrating fundraising campaigns, conducting community outreach, enhancing social media engagement, and actively identifying and applying for grants in areas like disaster mitigation, environmental resilience, clean energy, and diversifying the pipeline for CCST’s Science and Technology (S&T) Policy Fellows program.

The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. It engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers, strengthening and informing California policy with scientific knowledge, research, and innovation across disciplines, including technology, physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and management sciences. In doing so, CCST supports California policymakers in improving the lives of all Californians, ensuring California remains a leader in technology and innovation, and guiding the state, nation, and world towards a healthy economy, society, and environment.

CCST’s mission is to make California’s policies stronger with science. To accomplish this, CCST meets critical information needs of state policymakers through our science services, including the CCST Science Fellows program, peer-reviewed reports, expert briefings, and workshops. These science services are especially vital to informing policymaking in an environment of accelerating change and increasing uncertainty. To solve our immediate social problems and reshape California’s future, State policymakers need timely, actionable science and technology advice from trusted, independent sources.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position directly reports to the Director of Policy Engagement and collaborates closely with CCST science services, communications, and S&T Policy Fellows program staff, the Chief Executive Officer/Interim CEO, Board of Directors, funders, and other CCST stakeholders.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Budget Oversight

• Assist in the development, monitoring, and effective allocation of fundraising budgets while ensuring accurate and comprehensive tracking of financial outlays throughout the fundraising process.

Fundraising Strategy and Planning

• Collaborate with the leadership team in crafting and executing a robust, comprehensive fund development plan that aligns strategically with the organization’s overarching goals and objectives.

 Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Implement effective stewardship for consistent donor value and engagement, formulating personalized and comprehensive strategies that encompass various approaches such as newsletters, one-on-one meetings, mixers, open houses, labs, and more.
• Execute focused strategies to re-engage lapsed donors and grant agencies, cultivating renewed interest, support, and collaboration.
• Manage and support the planning and implementation of donor and academic partner appreciation events.

 Grant Writing and Management

• In partnership with leadership and team members, research and identify grant opportunities that align with goals outlined in the annual budget and fund development plan. This includes identifying grants and contract opportunities in critical areas, such as disaster mitigation, environmental resilience, clean energy, and fostering a more diverse and inclusive pipeline of science-savvy policy leaders through CCST’s Science and Technology Policy Fellows program.
• Establish and maintain a grants calendar, meticulously crafting and submitting grant proposals with strict adherence to application guidelines and compliance standards.
• Directly oversee and report on grants, collaborating with leadership to gather essential data for comprehensive reporting. Ensure strict compliance and provide prompt updates to funders, showcasing a commitment to transparency and accountability in grant management.

Fundraising Events and Campaigns

• Support the leadership, fundraising, and communications teams in strategically planning, developing, and establishing an annual signature fundraising event that showcases the organization’s mission and values while fostering community engagement and financial support.
• Ensure the successful execution of events and active engagement by overseeing critical elements, including venue selection, permits, catering arrangements, equipment logistics, guest lists, on-site presentations, and all aspects related to enhancing financial support. This includes collaborative efforts with the communications team to develop sponsorship packets, soliciting sponsorships, managing silent auctions, coordinating raffles in compliance with the attorney general’s office, overseeing ticket sales, and more.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

• Manage and support the planning and implementation of outreach events throughout California (whether live or virtual), including CCST’s annual Science and Technology Week, briefings, and salons, as well as donor appreciation events.
• Participate actively in local events, mixers, and workshops, cultivating meaningful connections to stay well-informed about evolving community dynamics and seize potential opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
• Produce materials, including proposals, pitch-decks, briefings, and presentations in partnership with CCST leadership and the communications team.
• Forge strategic partnerships with community-based organizations aligned with CCST’s mission. This involves fostering connections, identifying shared goals, and cultivating relationships to broaden and diversify the funding pipeline (i.e., donations, grants, contracts, sponsorships, etc.), ensuring sustainable support for the organization’s initiatives and objectives.

Donor Database and Systems Management

• Lead the effort to closely supervise and oversee the maintenance and optimization of Salesforce, CCST’s primary database management system, in partnership with the contracted Data Analyst, ensuring accurate and up-to-date donor records and efficient data management.
• Collaborate with team members to accurately record, monitor, and acknowledge gifts and pledges. Ensure timely recording of contributions, interactions, and the prompt delivery of thank-you letters to donors.
• Utilize Salesforce to track donor engagement, monitor fundraising progress, and manage grant applications, generating regular, comprehensive reports that provide insights into fundraising progress, donor engagement, and relevant metrics. Ensure timely updates for the leadership team and other stakeholders. 

Marketing, Communications, and Advocacy

• Lead collaborative efforts with the marketing and communications teams to craft compelling advocacy materials showcasing CCST’s history, accomplishments, and influence, aiming to secure increased State funding for the organization’s programs, services, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with the leadership team, communications team, and science services team to craft compelling social media content across diverse platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), as well as targeted funder communications materials with the aim of propelling fundraising efforts and elevating the organization’s brand presence.

 Board Engagement and Support

• Collaborate with the leadership team to provide essential information and support for board members’ fundraising efforts through curating data, crafting impactful materials, and offering guidance to enhance the effectiveness of their initiatives, ensuring a cohesive and successful fundraising strategy.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements and staffing for meetings of the Resource and Development Committee of the CCST Board of Directors.

Metrics and Reporting

• Conduct research on fundraising trends, best practices, and potential donor pools, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement, informing strategic decisions.
• Establish a system to track impacts, outcomes, testimonials, and stories illustrating positive results from the organization’s work. This involves collecting, organizing, and presenting narratives and data to showcase the organization’s effectiveness and contribute to persuasive messages for fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Generate Salesforce reports and analyze data to inform fundraising strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational budget goals and actual fundraising performance.
• Prepare for weekly prospect tracking meetings, ensuring forward momentum on strategies and solicitations.
• Collect, monitor, and assess metrics for all paid marketing and outreach campaigns to evaluate and ensure the attainment of desired impressions and outreach goals. Tracking data is crucial for measuring campaign effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions to optimize our marketing strategies.

Annual Giving Campaigns

• Oversee the implementation of online fundraising campaigns, including Giving Tuesday and Big Day of Giving, in collaboration with CCST leadership and the communications team.
• Lead impactful end-of-year giving campaigns, implementing strategies such as personalized appeals, matching gift programs, and holiday-themed initiatives for optimal donor engagement and overall fundraising success.

Other Duties

Fulfill other duties as requested by the Director of Policy Engagement to contribute to the overall success of the organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, grant writing, and donor stewardship.
• 3-5+ years of experience in progressively challenging project management roles. 
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Experience with, or ability to quickly master, Salesforce or other advanced Customer Relationship Management software. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. 

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Autonomous; takes initiative and has a history as an accomplished self-starter. 
• Excellent communication and organization skills; ability to manage multiple workflows and drive results to timelines. Strong writing skills, with experience creating presentations and proposals. 
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, with ability to work as a team member both remotely and within an established office structure. 
• Strong research, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to establish priorities and maintain focus across multi-faceted and interconnected campaigns. 
• Demonstrated passion for CCST’s mission, with a steadfast commitment to upholding our core values and actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and endeavors. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Hybrid work schedule based in Sacramento, CA.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 403b match; medical, dental, and vision insurance options; relocation assistance; and opportunities to telework. We are driven by a huge nonprofit vision, inviting you to contribute meaningfully to building the future, making a positive impact every day, and fostering personal and career growth in a supportive work environment.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your resume with a cover letter through our online portal: https://www.tfaforms.com/5112213

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

 The California Council on Science and Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and our organization’s business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any such status protected under federal, state, or local law.