Investments & Partnerships Officer (major gifts officer)

About Sequoia Riverlands Trust

Sequoia Riverlands Trust is a regional nonprofit land trust focused on the Tulare Basin, which comprises the southern San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills of Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno counties, with additional conservation projects in 5 other California counties. We are accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, and our mission to conserve the lands and waters of California's heartland is supported by our ambitious programs in conservation easements (habitat and farmland), land stewardship, restoration, conservation outreach, and education.

We envision a future in which a network of protected natural and working lands thrives in the region we serve, with business, agriculture, and society aligned around sustainable land and water management practices.

OVERVIEW

The Investments & Partnerships Officer serves as a key ambassador and relationship-builder for Sequoia Riverlands Trust (SRT). Working closely with the Executive Director (ED), Chief Investments and Partnerships Officer (CIPO), leadership team, and Board of Directors, this position plays a vital role in helping SRT achieve its ambitious goals for growth and impact.

The Investments & Partnerships Officer will cultivate and steward a diverse portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual supporters to advance SRT's conservation mission. This role leads a six-figure fundraising initiative and collaborates across the organization to strengthen engagement with individuals, foundations, corporations, agencies, and community partnersencouraging their investment of time, expertise, and financial support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Investments & Partnerships Officer plays a proactive role in expanding Sequoia Riverlands Trust's community of supporters. This position is responsible for identifying, researching, and cultivating new philanthropic prospectsincluding individuals, corporations, and foundationswhose interests align with SRT's mission.

The Investments & Partnerships Officer initiates and maintains relationships with donors and partners with the capacity to contribute $5,000 or more, crafting thoughtful cultivation and stewardship strategies that highlight the full range of SRT's programs and impact. This includes developing targeted prospect lists, creating personalized engagement plans, and building long-term relationships that lead to increased investment in SRT's work.

In addition, this role develops solicitation plans, delivers meaningful follow-up reports, and helps strengthen the infrastructure, staffing, and systems needed to achieve SRT's long-term fundraising objectives.

SUPERVISION

Reports to Chief Investments and Partnership Officer

Is a member of the Investments & Partnerships Team

REQUIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic Thinking : Able to analyze data and donor trends to provide insights that inform fundraising strategies and drive meaningful results.
• Relationship Management : Skilled at cultivating and sustaining relationships with individuals, corporations, and philanthropic partners through trust, professionalism, and genuine engagement.
• Collaboration & Communication : Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and communicate clearly with the Executive Director, CIPO, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders.
• Portfolio Management : Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio of donors, ensuring consistent outreach, follow-up, and stewardship tailored to each relationship.
• Database Proficiency : Comfortable using donor management or CRM systems to record activity, track progress, and generate reports with accuracy and efficiency.
• Organizational Skills : Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain organized systems for data and documents.
• Administrative Excellence : Reliable and thorough in handling the operational and logistical aspects of fundraising, including reporting, scheduling, and documentation.
• Adaptability : Flexible and resourceful, able to adjust to shifting priorities and emerging opportunities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Mission-Driven Mindset : Passionate about SRT's mission and motivated to advance the conservation of California's lands and waters through philanthropy and partnership.

Major Responsibilities :

DESIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

WORK SETTING AND CONDITIONS

The position is based at SRT's headquarters in Visalia, California, a city of about 130,000 residents in the southern San Joaquin Valley. The region has a Mediterranean climate, with cool, moist winters and hot, dry summers. SRT's preserves and conservation easements are distributed over nine counties, including lands in the foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley and in the Carrizo Plain area.

The specific work conditions of this position are as follows :

o Ability to lift up to 10 pounds

o Manual dexterity sufficient to reach and handle items, work with fingers and perceive attributes of objects and materials; ability to stand, walk, sit, and reach

o Ability to meet with people in their homes, offices, SRT preserves, and other public locations at the frequency mentioned in the responsibilities section.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this role is $75,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience.SRT offers a competitive benefits package including employer-paid health insurance, a retirement contribution match, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, generous paid time off, and 15 paid holidays. In addition, voluntary life, dental, & vision insurance as well as other ancillary benefits are available.

OTHER NOTES

Candidates MUST pass a background check.

Top candidates may be asked to provide samples of their work that demonstrate their ability to fulfill the requirements of this position

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Staff members are expected to consciously and continuously promote the mission, values, programs, and impact of the organization when presented with opportunities for participating in fund development and reaching out to personal connections on behalf of SRT.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Sequoia Riverlands Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

TO APPLY

Please visit www.sequoiariverlands.org / careers

The pay range for this role is : 75,000 - 95,000 USD per year(HYBRID)

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