About the Position 

Heal the Bay is seeking a strategic, mission-driven fundraising leader to serve as our Chief Philanthropy Officer. This senior role is an exciting opportunity for a professional who is passionate about environmental education and advocacy and skilled in generating major gifts, grants, and philanthropic partnerships. 

With climate change and pollution threatening California’s coastlines, rivers, and marine life, Heal the Bay is dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s ecosystems. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will be instrumental in securing the $6M+ in annual funding needed to advance our science, advocacy, education, and community engagement efforts. 

We’re looking for a dynamic and goal-oriented leader who can inspire donors, build strategic partnerships, and drive fundraising success to support a cleaner, healthier Santa Monica Bay and beyond. 

Position Summary 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and expand financial support for Heal the Bay. This role requires an experienced and dynamic leader with a strong track record in developing and stewarding major gifts. The role also requires experience directing and managing staff responsible for donor relations, corporate partnerships, grant administration, and fundraising events. The CPO will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth, fostering meaningful donor relationships, and positioning Heal the Bay for long-term financial sustainability. 

Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and external stakeholders, the CPO will ensure that fundraising efforts align with the organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and programmatic priorities. This position requires a forward-thinking, results-driven leader who can balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution. 

Key Responsibilities 

Revenue Growth & Fundraising Strategy   

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising plan that strengthens and diversifies revenue streams, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and special events. 

• Identify and leverage new funding opportunities within the private sector and philanthropic communities, including corporate partnerships, and cause marketing initiatives.  

• Oversee grant writing and administration, ensuring high-quality proposals, compliance with reporting requirements, and alignment with Heal the Bay’s mission. 

• Maintain up-to-date records of all fundraising activities in Salesforce and Egnyte, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and adherence to nonprofit best practices. 

Major Gifts Identification and Stewardship 

• Oversee a robust major gifts program, identifying and cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders to secure five- and six-figure contributions and multi-year commitments. 

• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects and donors with giving capacity of $10,000 and above.  

• Develop and execute comprehensive cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual donors. 

• Conduct face-to-face meetings, donor visits, and presentations to advance prospects through the giving cycle. 

• Support and direct the strategy collaboratively with the CEO and board members on major gift solicitations. 

• Achieve annual fundraising goals of $1.5-2 million in major gifts revenue. 

• Travel locally (up to 20%) within Los Angeles County to meet with donors, attend networking events, and strengthen funding relationships. 

Signature Events & Donor Engagement  

• Oversee the planning and execution of Heal the Bay’s three signature fundraising events, gala, golf tournament, and water agency luncheon, which collectively generate over $1.3 million in net annual income. 

• Develop strategies to enhance event sponsorships, donor participation, and community visibility to maximize revenue potential. 

• Collaborate with the communications team to design compelling event messaging, donor stewardship materials, and promotional campaigns. 

• Represent Heal the Bay as a spokesperson at public engagements, fundraising events, donor meetings, and media opportunities, ensuring the organization’s impact is effectively communicated. 

Team Leadership & Development Operations  

• Lead, mentor, and support a development team of up to four staff members, fostering a high-performance, goal-oriented, and collaborative work culture. 

• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance management to strengthen individual and team capabilities in donor relations, grant writing, and fundraising strategy. 

• Oversee the preparation of fundraising reports, financial forecasts, and key performance indicators, using data-driven insights to optimize fundraising strategies. 

• Partner with the finance team to ensure accurate revenue tracking, donor stewardship, and compliance with nonprofit financial regulations. 

• Manage external consultants, campaign specialists, and vendors to enhance fundraising initiatives as needed. 

Board & Leadership Collaboration  

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to support their fundraising efforts, providing guidance on donor engagement, personal giving, and leveraging their networks to secure funding. 

• Deliver regular fundraising updates and impact reports to the board, equipping them with the necessary tools and information to advocate for Heal the Bay’s mission. 

• Actively participate in senior leadership meetings, contributing to organizational strategy, financial planning, and long-term sustainability efforts. 

• Ensure alignment between development efforts and Heal the Bay’s communications, advocacy, and programmatic goals, fostering cross-departmental collaboration. 

Ideal Candidate  

This position is ideal for a strategic and results-driven fundraising professional who is passionate about environmental conservation and has a strong ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. The Chief Philanthropy Officer must be both a visionary leader and a hands-on executor, capable of balancing long-term planning with day-to-day fundraising operations. 

Success in this role will require exceptional communication skills, financial acumen, team leadership, and a deep understanding of nonprofit development strategies. The right candidate will be energized by the opportunity to elevate Heal the Bay’s fundraising efforts, drive sustainable revenue growth, and secure the resources necessary to advance the organization’s mission.  

Ideal Candidate Profile 

Required Experience and Skills:  

• Senior-Level Fundraising Leadership (10+ Years): Extensive experience overseeing comprehensive fundraising strategies, with a focus on major gifts, capital campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute multi-year fundraising plans aligned with organizational growth and sustainability. 

• Major Gifts & Donor Cultivation: Proven track record in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Strong ability to build lasting donor relationships through personalized engagement and stewardship. 

• Fundraising Events & Grant Administration: Experience planning and executing high-impact fundraising events, including galas, donor appreciation events, and community engagement initiatives. Proficiency in grant writing, reporting, and compliance, with a history of securing significant institutional funding. 

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: 5+ years overseeing and leading a team. A coaching-oriented leadership style with a strong ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing fundraising teams. Experience in fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work culture that empowers staff and volunteers. 

• Mission-Driven Communication & Advocacy: Exceptional storytelling skills with the ability to persuasively communicate Heal the Bay’s mission, impact, and funding priorities to diverse audiences, including board members, donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners. 

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and revenue tracking as it relates to fundraising goals. Ability to assess financial reports, oversee donor stewardship funds, and work closely with finance teams to ensure transparency and accountability. 

• Technology & Data Management: Proficiency in Salesforce (or similar donor management systems) and OneCause, with the ability to leverage data analytics for donor segmentation, campaign performance tracking, and fundraising strategy optimization. 

• Organization & Attention to Detail: Excellent project management skills, with the ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and oversee multiple fundraising initiatives simultaneously. Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in donor records, financial reporting, and compliance documentation. 

• Interpersonal Skills & Communication: Strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, stakeholders, board members, and internal teams. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, fostering collaboration and partnership development. 

• Nonprofit Fundraising Ethics & Compliance: Deep understanding of 501(c)(3) fundraising ethics, legal regulations, and best practices, ensuring all fundraising activities adhere to industry standards and donor stewardship principles. 

• Fast-Paced, Mission-Driven Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced nonprofit environment, balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution to drive results and sustain organizational impact. 

Preferred Qualifications:   

• Capital Campaign Leadership: Experience in leading or contributing to multi-million-dollar capital campaigns, including feasibility studies, donor prospecting, and campaign execution. Understanding of the complexities of large-scale fundraising efforts and donor engagement strategies. 

• Environmental & Conservation Expertise: Knowledge of key issues related to environmental conservation, climate change, marine protection, and sustainability, enabling the candidate to effectively connect fundraising efforts to Heal the Bay’s broader mission.  

Compensation & Work Environment:  

• Salary: $150,000 – $180,000 annual salary and commensurate with experience, plus bonus eligibility. This role offers a competitive compensation package aligned with the scope and impact of the position. 

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement contributions. 

• Location: Los Angeles County, CA (hybrid role, with at least two in-office days per week) 

• Schedule: Full-time (exempt), with occasional evening and weekend events. 

 Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.  

Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking. 

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About the Organization 

Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and the Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at healthebay.org/our-impact. 

About the Role 

Heal the Bay is looking for a part-time Community Programs Associate with an interest in all aspects that an aquarium has to offer, including: marine science – working with aquatic animals; environmental education- supporting our Education team with field trip and camp programs; and outreach-working with our Public Programs team in the execution of events, public hours and retail sales. In this position, you will gain valuable marine biology, teaching, public speaking, customer service, retail sales, and event coordination skills while building your resume and obtaining references.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and unique work environment on the Santa Monica Pier, in the Aquarium, and on the beach. This is an entry level position, and you will be trained to work directly with students, community members and marine animals. You will gain Aquarium and nonprofit experience and be able to work for a reputable nonprofit that has been established for over 35 years. Heal the Bay Aquarium is home to hundreds of organisms, native to the Santa Monica Bay. As Heal the Bay’s marine education facility, the aquarium strives to teach visitors about the importance of environmental stewardship and marine conservation.

Expectations & Responsibilities 

Heal the Bay Community Programs Associate Role Overview 

Associates are scheduled for regular shifts across Beach Programs, Education, and Public Programs, with a focus on delivering in-person experiences that inspire ocean stewardship.

What you’ll do at the Aquarium

• Teach hands-on science field trip lessons; support aquarium camps, after-school enrichment, and other education programs.
• Welcome visitors during public hours: interpret at touch tanks, staff the pier gift shop, assist with birthday parties and special events, and present engaging educational talks.
• Create a warm, inclusive environment that reflects Heal the Bay’s commitment to dignity, respect, and belonging for all guests and volunteers.
• Set up and break down program materials; check for hazards and report safety concerns.
• Maintain supplies by packing, cleaning, organizing inventory, and keeping workspaces guest-ready.

Community programs and beach cleanups

• Deliver beach cleanups around Santa Monica Bay: prepare, load, transport, set up, and break down equipment on site (drive the company truck if authorized); follow all safety, vehicle, and equipment protocols while serving as a professional on-site representative of Heal the Bay.
• Lead the participant experience in the field: greet and check in attendees, give clear safety and educational briefings for groups (including corporate teams), answer basic questions, and route detailed inquiries to program staff.
• Support logistics and reporting: confirm headcounts and day-of needs with the program manager, record attendance and cleanup data, and submit post-event materials and reports.

And beyond

• Jump in to assist with other events, and Aquarium needs as assigned, collaborating across teams to make every visitor experience memorable.
• Access structured opportunities to explore interdisciplinary career paths at Heal the Bay, including science and policy. communications, operations, animal care, and development
• Participate in shadowing and receive feedback and coaching from program leads.
• Collaborate on special projects that align with your professional development goals and organizational needs, building a portfolio of experience over time.
• Support cross-department events and outreach activities that advance Heal the Bay’s mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary to support departmental operations and team success.

Preferred Experience & Skills 

• Excellent communication, customer service, and public speaking skills
• Conversational level knowledge of at least two languages is a plus, with a preference for Spanish or Asian languages.
• Ability to respectfully communicate and respect visitors of all ages, ethnicities, exceptionalities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented, with the ability to be flexible, communicate well, and work collaboratively.
• Experience working with children and the ability to maintain an Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Experience with outdoor or environmental education, or student-centered teaching strategies a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Compensation 

$18.00 – $20.00/hour, depending on experience, with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld. All Heal the Bay recognized holidays will be compensated at 1.5x normal pay rate in accordance with time worked.

Benefits 

You will be working directly with marine animals and interacting with students and community members as well as people from all over the world. You will develop knowledge and experience in marine science, with classroom management skills, interpretation strategies, and general education and advocacy strategies. You will gain Aquarium and nonprofit experience and be able to work for a reputable nonprofit that has been established for over 40 years, developing professional skills and industry knowledge.

As per the state of CA Labor Law, the employee will be eligible to receive up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year, after completing 90 days of employment. There are no dental, medical, health insurance, or vacation benefits included as part of the employment.

Schedule 

Part-time with an average of 15-25 hours per week, based on operational and programmatic needs. The Community Programs Associate must be available to work in-person at Heal the Bay Aquarium, on the beach, and possible off-site educational programs. Weekends, holidays, and after-hours events are required and will be part of the regular schedule. Percent of tasks or department work scheduled will be determined by availability and programs scheduled.

Location 

The employee’s primary work location will be the Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier. This position also includes occasional work at the beach directly adjacent to the Aquarium, as well as at other cleanup sites, schools, and community event locations throughout Los Angeles County. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, depending on program needs and scheduled activities.

Physical Demands 

Ability to work in variable weather conditions with potential exposure to heat, wind, and inclement weather both inside the Aquarium Pier Gift Shop and Aquarium Exhibit Gallery, and outdoors on the Santa Monica Pier and beach

Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds across sand

Regularly required to talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms

How To Apply 

Please apply at the link below or by clicking here. Applications will be reviewed immediately and on an ongoing basis in the order they are received. This position will be hired ASAP and remain posted until filled.

Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience. 

Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.

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