Careers

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is searching for an exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and creative individual to join our fun and growing team of environmental enthusiasts and experts. The Philanthropy Director is responsible for planning, managing, and implementing all fundraising activities that sustain, diversify, and increase philanthropic support for the League. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and experienced fundraising professional as the League envisions and executes the next phase of its growth.

The ideal candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of fundraising strategies, infrastructure, and best practices, preferably in a large operation with diversified funding streams. They will be creative and data-driven, and comfortable with both the tactical “science” and relational “art” of successful philanthropy. They will be a hands-on team player and a skilled manager, leading a team currently comprised of four direct reports.  

We are highly interested in candidates who have been in fundraising leadership roles for 5+ years with a single organization and have successfully managed programs that raise $3M+ on an annual basis.

Our world-renowned “Keep Tahoe Blue” sticker is both a symbol of an increasingly important mission and an intentional, sustainability-focused lifestyle. Founded in 1957, the League is the oldest and most successful environmental organization focused on protecting and restoring Lake Tahoe’s beauty. We have a culture of trust and respect that supports and guides our decision-making and planning for the future.  

We have embarked on a thoughtful DEI journey that focuses on delivering our programs and services in a culturally mindful manner that centers and lifts a wide array of partners and supporters. Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive, with a focus on building allyship and a sense of belonging that empowers all team members to show up as their full selves every day. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for protecting one of America’s most treasured regions. 

The League has a hybrid work policy that does not require employees to report to the office on a daily basis. However, because of the nature of this work, we ask that this candidate be located in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

What the position involves:

Fundraising Leadership and Strategy

• Continue to develop and improve our $4M annual fundraising plan, focusing on diversifying income streams to reduce the League’s reliance on its annual benefit event. This includes:
  • -Evolving our current major donor plan and supporting the board, CEO, CSO, and Philanthropy Officer (commonly known as a Major Gifts Officer) in executing it.
  • -Developing creative and engaging multi-channel solicitation strategies.
  • -Creating a defined plan for foundation giving beyond the League’s current supporters.
  • -Assessing and refining event priorities (including benefits, house parties, boat tours, etc.) to support fundraising and stewardship outcomes.
  • -Building out a basic planned giving program.
• Manage, coach, and grow the Philanthropy team (currently two Philanthropy Coordinators, a Philanthropy Officer, and part-time Grants Coordinator and Events Associate) to ensure goals are met and the team is working in collaboration with all other League departments.
• Work in collaboration with the COO to develop annual budgets; coordinate reports to various committees, board members and staff; ensure files are audit-ready; and forecast possible revenue adjustments.
• Drive narratives and agendas for all development-related aspects of committee and board meetings to support effective and data-driven decision-making.
• Set, review, track and evaluate departmental goals and objectives.
• Serve as a member of the organization’s Senior Leadership Team to not only continue to evolve the organization’s success as a premier conservation organization, but also encourage and model work/life balance.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the board and the organization’s philanthropy program.
• Manage, grow and steward a portfolio of major donors.
• Implement and manage fundraising best practices to ensure compliance with legal, audit, and IRS guidance.
• Maintain continuing education for self and staff.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of the annual benefit event

External Communications/External Relations

• Fundraising Communications: In collaboration with the Communications Department, develop a fundraising marketing plan that works seamlessly with the League’s communication and branding plan.
• Community Relations: Attend meetings with various foundations, corporations, business groups and nonprofit organizations; participate in collaborative efforts related to fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Partnership Manager on opportunities to leverage the Keep Tahoe Blue Brand for both social good and financial contributions.
• Train staff, leadership and board in ensuring fundraising is communicated effectively throughout the organization, at community events, in one-on-one meetings, etc.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising campaigns of $3M+ through various income streams.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management, responsiveness, and project leadership.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with donors, board and external partners.
• Employee management experience, particularly identifying appropriate responsibilities for team members based on skill, priorities and deadlines, and ensuring departmental deliverables and organizational goals are met.
• Must be a team player with the willingness to perform activities at any level necessary to reach fundraising goals.
• Excellent oral, written, organizational and computer skills.
• Computer proficiency with Windows, Office 365, Google Apps and fundraising databases.
• Flexibility to travel to meetings in the Bay Area, Sacramento and around the Tahoe Basin.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• An interest and passion for environmental conservation and the League’s mission to protect, restore and advocate for the ecosystem health and scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

League-specific requirements: 

• Employees are required to have a vehicle that is in good working order, proof of valid driving license, non-expired vehicle registration and effective insurance coverage. Travel around the Basin, Bay Area, Reno and Sacramento may be required. 
• Position requires some physical activity such as bending, stooping, carrying and lifting up to 50 pounds.

As a valued representative of our organization you will: 

• Be on a team that engages Tahoe’s diverse and evolving community of visitors and residents to protect Lake Tahoe by spreading awareness and taking action.
• Work at a place that promotes environmental protections and policies backed by science that ensure Tahoe is resilient in the face of the climate crisis. 
• Take part in crafting resolutions to the challenges facing Tahoe that strike a balance between enjoyment today and preservation for future generations. 

The League offers many benefits, including: 

• Competitive pay – we believe our employees are our most valuable asset and aim to offer a Thriving Wage.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance are 100% covered by the company for employees. 
• IRA match up to 3% of employee’s salary. 
• Two weeks of vacation (increasing with tenure), paid volunteer time off, plus 13 paid holidays and extra paid time off the week between 12/25 and 1/1. 
• Pet-friendly environment. 
• Merchandise discounts.
• Awesome KTB swag and discounts on gear from our corporate partners.
• Monthly cell and internet stipend.
• A flexible working environment that empowers employees to have a life/work balance.
• And much more!

Salary range:

$95-130K (willing to consider higher pay for exceptionally qualified candidates)

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. We also encourage people from differing life experiences to consider how they may be a fit for any of our positions, and encourage anyone with adjacent skills and a passion for conservation or Lake Tahoe to apply.