Director of Engagement

This is a rare opportunity to work with a dynamic team to help shape how people connect to and invest in one of California's most innovative conservation models at the intersection of science, stewardship, and community. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director leads SLC's engagement, communications, and philanthropic strategy, translating on-the-ground conservation work into meaningful, widely recognized, and long-term support. The role also serves as a key external representative of the organization, strengthening visibility, partnerships, and alignment across priority audiences. The Director supervises the Communications Manager and a contracted grants manager and works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Finance and Administration on strategy, budgeting, and reporting. What Success Looks Like (12-24 Months)

• A clear, consistently executed brand that positions SLC as a regional leader in conservation living, wildfire resilience, and biodiversity conservation
• Increased visibility and audience engagement across key channels, with measurable growth in participation and reach
• Compelling, accessible storytelling that translates SLC's work into clear public impact
• High-quality events and experiences that strengthen connection, reinforce brand, and drive philanthropy
• A growing and diversified philanthropic pipeline fueled by stronger messaging and engagement
• Aligned, organization-wide outreach with consistent messaging and shared priorities Primary Responsibilities Community Engagement & Relationship Building (40%)
• Set and execute a clear engagement strategy that expands participation, strengthens relationships, and advances organizational priorities
• Develop and lead programs, events, and field experiences that connect people to SLC's work and create pathways for ongoing involvement
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with residents, community leaders, agencies, and aligned organizations
• Support the Executive Director as a key external representative of SLC, building visibility, trust, and alignment across priority audiences
• Collaborate across teams to integrate engagement into stewardship, science, and communications
• Define and track engagement metrics to evaluate impact, inform strategy, and continuously improve outreach Philanthropy & Revenue Generation (30%)
• Lead strategy and execution of fundraising efforts
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors
• Partner with the Executive Director on major gift strategy and key philanthropic relationships
• Align fundraising strategies with brand, messaging, and campaign narratives to strengthen donor acquisition and retention
• Oversee donor stewardship, tracking, and reporting using Little Green Light CRM
• Coordinate annual appeals, campaigns, planned giving, and grant efforts with staff and contractors Communications & Organizational Visibility (25%)
• Lead an integrated communications strategy in partnership with the Communications Manager
• Define and steward SLC's brand strategy, voice, and visual identity across all platforms
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across digital, print, events, and media
• Guide storytelling that translates ecological and wildfire resilience work into clear, relatable impact
• Develop and execute audience growth strategies across digital channels, events, and strategic partnerships
• Track, analyze, and report on communications performance metrics (reach, engagement, conversion)
• Identify and pursue earned media, speaking, and thought leadership opportunities that elevate regional and statewide visibility
• Serve as senior staff liaison to SLC's Communications Committee Staff Leadership & Development (5%)
• Model leadership and professionalism with staff, providing clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture across ecological management, outreach, development, and finance
• Promote cross-program alignment and shared understanding of how individual work advances SLC-wide goals Qualifications
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or community engagement
• Demonstrated success cultivating and stewarding philanthropic support, including major gifts
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse audiences
• Experience integrating communications, storytelling, and fundraising strategies
• Proven ability to lead events, campaigns, or engagement initiatives that drive measurable results
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, including team supervision and cross-functional collaboration
• Familiarity with conservation, environmental education, or land management is preferred
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred