Employment
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
It is the policy of Ojai Raptor Center to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law.
Join Our Team
We’re always looking for passionate individuals who share our mission. When opportunities to join our team become available, they will be posted here. Please check back regularly for updates and the latest job postings.
Thank you for your interest in being part of our work!
OPEN POSITION
Job Title: Development & Communications Associate
Location: Ojai, CA (In-Person)
Reports to: Director of Development & Fundraising
Employment Type: Full-Time
Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Position: $58,136 Annually
ABOUT US
Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife, focusing on birds of prey. Located in Ojai, California, ORC also provides environmental education to inspire conservation and stewardship and supports raptor conservation through research and advocacy.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Development & Communications Associate to join our team. Under the supervision of the Director of Development & Fundraising, this position will play a key role in advancing ORC’s mission by supporting fundraising, donor relations, communications, and community engagement efforts. The ideal candidate will bring organizational expertise, creativity, and professionalism to the role, along with a passion for wildlife conservation and nonprofit work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Development and Fundraising:
Process various types of gifts, including online donations, checks, credit card payments, pledges, and in-kind contributions.
Accurately enter and process donations, grants, and donor information in ORC’s database.
Ensure each gift is credited and acknowledged appropriately in the accounting system, noting any ongoing payments and reminders.
Generate timely and accurate donor acknowledgment letters and receipts, ensuring gifts are promptly recognized with personalized, donor-centric thank-you letters.
Conduct donor and prospect research for donor cultivation efforts.
Schedule meetings and document all donor interactions through detailed contact reports.
Foster meaningful, relationship-based fundraising to deepen connections between donors and the Center.
Assist with donor stewardship activities such as thank-you calls, mailings, and appreciation events.
Track engagement metrics and feedback to improve campaign performance and donor relationships.
Support grant writing by gathering data, preparing reports, and assisting with grant submissions and progress reports.
Attend and support fundraising and outreach events to represent Ojai Raptor Center and/or manage on-site logistics.
Assist with grant writing, submission, and tracking to meet deadlines and reporting requirements.
Data Management
Manage and maintain donor database (e.g., NetworkforGood), ensuring data accuracy and efficiency.
Accurately input donor information, gift amounts, designations, and payment details into the fundraising database.
Maintain accurate donor records, including updating contact information and tracking giving history.
Generate reports, mailing lists, and segmented donor lists to inform fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies.
Assist in the collection and tracking of organizational metrics for reporting.
Communications and Marketing:
Collaborate with the Director of Development & Fundraising to identify donor engagement opportunities and tailor communication strategies for targeted donor cultivation.
Under the supervision of the Director of Development & Fundraising and in collaboration with the Education Program Manager, assist in managing ORC’s social media accounts, including content creation, post scheduling, and follower engagement.
Capture photos and videos of ORC’s work, such as wildlife rehabilitation efforts, education programs, and events, for use in marketing.
Edit videos and photos for social media, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
Develop and manage external communications, including newsletters, website updates, fundraising appeal letters, and press releases.
Design and produce promotional materials for campaigns and events.
Merchandise & Sales Management:
Process and mail merchandise orders from ORC’s online store.
Conduct regular merchandise inventory and maintain organized tracking systems.
Prepare merchandise for community events and other events.
Coordinate the pick-up of merchandise.
Event Coordination:
Support the planning and execution of ORC’s fundraising and donor appreciation events, including logistics, volunteer coordination, and attendee communications.
Assist in securing sponsorships and in-kind donations for events.
Assist with event coordination, including managing RSVPs, gift processing, and providing logistical support to ensure seamless event execution.
Assist with event coordination, including managing RSVPs, gift processing, and providing logistical support to ensure seamless event execution.
Help organize donor events and facilitate meaningful donor engagement
Community Relations:
Serve as a positive representative of ORC, engaging with donors, community stakeholders, and the general public.
Build relationships with community partners to enhance ORC’s reach and impact.
Administrative Support:
Help create and maintain efficient systems for data management and office organization.
Support additional administrative tasks to ensure the Development team’s success.
Collaborate with the team to develop efficient systems and maintain organized filing systems.
IMPORTANT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Understanding of Accounting: Familiarity with basic accounting principles and financial processes.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite: With particular experience in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets at a basic to intermediate level.
Social Media Management: Experience creating and managing engaging content across platforms.
Donor Relations Database: Familiarity with donor management systems or similar customer relationship databases.
Willingness to Learn: Eagerness to further education in donor relations, fundraising, and grant writing.
Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
Organized: Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Professional Behavior: Maintains professionalism in all interactions and responsibilities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, communications, marketing, environmental science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
1-3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, accounting, or related areas.
Proficiency in tools such as Canva, or similar design software.
Proficient with QuickBooks.
Experience and knowledge of social media.
Proficiency with photo and video editing tools is a plus.
Experience with Customer Relationship Management Software.
Interest in and knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation and avian species, especially raptors.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Hourly Rate: Competitive, commensurate with experience.
Health Benefits: Access to comprehensive health plans.
Retirement Plan: Enrollment in the CalSavers retirement program.
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, including sick time.
Paid Holidays: Observance of five flexible paid company holidays.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit the following to Alyssa Torkelson at alyssa@ojairaptorcenter.org with the subject line “Development & Communications Associate Application – [Your Name]”:
A resume
A cover letter
Three professional references
Two samples of written work (e.g., business letter, newsletter, donor acknowledgment letter, grant proposal)
One sample of creative work (e.g., a social media post, designed flyer, or edited video)
One example of an Excel tracking or budget template you have designed
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Ojai Raptor Center is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.