Community Programs and Fundraising Assistant

Rivers & Lands Conservancy (RLC) is seeking a detailed-oriented person to join our growing organization and make a meaningful contribution to open space conservation in Southern California.

 

Job Summary: The Community Programs and Fundraising Assistant is responsible for carrying out the administrative operations of the development department, assisting with the preparation and execution of fundraising and donor events, and supporting the planning and implementation of outreach and education events, such as interpretive hikes, community tabling, student education programs, and volunteer litter cleanups, plantings, and other stewardship activities. The position will include a combination of remote work, office visits as needed, and in-person events taking place throughout western Riverside and southwestern San Bernardino Counties.

 

Reports To: Co-Executive Director and Community Programs Manager

Classification: Full-time (30-40 hours per week), non-exempt

Compensation:  $23.00– $25.00 per hour depending on experience. Health, retirement, vacation, holiday, and sick time benefits provided.

To Apply: Applicants should send a resume and cover letter outlining their fit for the role as a single PDF document to roconnor@riversandlands.org. Please use “Community Programs and Fundraising Assistant– Your Name” as the subject line. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered. References will be requested of final candidates.

For More Information: Contact Rebecca K. O’Connor, Co-Executive Director, via email at roconnor@riversandlands.org. No phone calls, please. To learn more about RLC, visit riversandlands.org.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fund Development

  • Maintain donor database, entering gifts, sending timely acknowledgements, and updating donor profiles
  • Generate requested reports tracking progress from donor database
  • Assist Co-Executive Director in developing donor list for meetings and solicitations
  • Coordinate appeals and donor correspondence
  • Coordinate and assist in creation of annual reports, quarterly major donor letter, and quarterly newsletter
  • Assist in identifying and securing corporate, foundation, state, and federal grants

Event Planning

  • Provide direct assistance in developing and executing annual gala fundraiser, including assisting with securing sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and ticket sales
  • Assist in communications leading up to fundraising events and follow up with event attendees
  • Provide direct help with planning outreach and education events through tasks such as preparing waivers and safety documents, creating event flyers, managing volunteer RSVPs, assisting with social media posts, conducting on-the-ground site checks, and coordinating with program partners and vendors

Event Implementation

  • Provide staff support at fundraising events for members and major donors
  • Provide staff support at outreach and education events by helping with tasks such as event set-up, communicating with participants, co-leading program and event activities as appropriate, overseeing the safety of event participants, volunteers, and/or students, photo documenting event activities, helping with event break down, and assisting with accurate metrics tracking and project reporting

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field
  • 2 years of administrative, community outreach, and/or customer service experience

SOFTWARE/PLATFORM EXPERIENCE

  • Fluency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and use of email and attachments is required
  • Working knowledge of online meeting platforms (ie Zoom) is required
  • Skilled in basic desktop publishing using Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat DC, Premier Rush) or similar software
  • Experience with Social Media Platforms Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
  • Experience updating websites with WordPress or similar
  • Experience with customer or donor CRM 

SKILLS

  • A self-starter that is data and deadline driven with the ability to multi-task
  • Solid organizational and time-management skills
  • A strong work ethic and a history of excellent customer service
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to write clear and concise correspondence and event reports
  • Ability to work independently (including remote work) and as part of a highly collaborative team
  • Ability to handle confidential information discreetly
  • Basic familiarity with land conservation and ecosystems of inland Southern California
  • Motivated to positively engage the community with RLC’s fundraising efforts and community programs
  • Experience working with diverse population

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds
  • Ability to work outside including physical labor in all types of southern California weather
  • Ability to occasionally hike, rugged, steep terrain
  • Ability to assist with physical set-up and breakdown of events

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • California Driver’s License and proof of insurance
  • Daily access to a motor vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed at standard IRS rate)
  • Reside within 75 miles of the Rivers & Lands Conservancy office
  • Available to work up to 1-2 Saturdays per month

DISCLAIMER

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.