Development Specialist

Ncphilanthropy; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Star Theatre Company in Oceanside, CA seeks a Development Officer to drive growth by identifying funding opportunities, securing major gifts, writing grants, and building donor relationships. The role manages campaigns, tracks performance, and ensures a diversified stream of resources to support the organization's mission.

Responsibilities include donor cultivation, fundraising strategy, grant writing, data tracking, and cross-functional collaboration with the executive team and board.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and 2–3+ years fundraising or related relationship-management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling donor stories.
• Experience with donor management software and digital fundraising tools.
• High emotional intelligence, networking ability, and comfort with asking for financial contributions.

Responsibilities

• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship: Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Fundraising Strategy: Design and execute annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and fundraising events.
• Grant Writing: Research, write, and manage grant proposals and reporting for foundations and government entities.
• Data Tracking & Reporting: Oversee the fundraising database, track donor interactions, and measure KPIs against financial goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Executive Team, Board, and marketing to align fundraising goals with organizational objectives.

Skills

Donor management software

Fundraising

Grant writing

Donor relations

Data tracking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM software

Digital fundraising tools

Job description

Development Specialist

Organization: The Star Theatre Company (STC)

Reports to: Managing Director

Location: Oceanside, CA

Compensation: TBD Based Upon Experience and Performance

Position Overview

The Star Theatre is looking for a nonprofit Development Officer to drive our organization’s growth by identifying funding opportunities, securing major gifts, writing grants, and building donor relationships. They will manage fundraising campaigns, track performance metrics, and ensure a steady, diversified stream of financial resources to support the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
  • Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and key stakeholders.
• Fundraising Strategy
  • Design and execute annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and fundraising events.
• Grant Writing
  • Research, write, and manage grant proposals and reporting requirements for foundations and government entities.
• Data Tracking & Reporting
  • Oversee the fundraising database, track donor interactions, and measure KPIs against financial goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with the Executive Team, Board of Directors and marketing team to align fundraising goals with broader organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and 2-3+ years of successful fundraising or related relationship-management experience.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling, mission-driven stories that resonate with donors.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with donor management software and digital fundraising tools.
• Interpersonal Skills: High emotional intelligence, networking ability, and comfort with making “the ask” for financial contributions.

Performance Metrics

• Total dollars raised against a set annual budget.
• Donor retention rates and the growth of the major donor portfolio.
• Grant proposal success rate and number of new prospects acquired

To Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Paul Friedman: Managing Director – Star Theatre Company

[e-mail]