The Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) is an 80-acre demonstration, education and advocacy center located in western Sonoma County, California. OAEC's work focuses on cultivating ecological literacy and building the capacity of civic and social movement leaders and organizations to guide their communities toward an ecologically regenerative, economically viable, and socially just future.
Founded in 2004, the OAEC WATER Institute develops innovative science-based solutions for communities to address the legacy of hydrologically destructive land-use practices and policies on California’s watersheds. In response to the climate and biodiversity crisis, the WATER Institute has been leading strategic initiatives such as the Bring Back the Beaver and Fuels to Flows campaigns to restore watersheds, recover imperiled species and build climate change resilience in communities across the arid west.
JOB SUMMARY
OAEC seeks a talented and enthusiastic individual to join our experienced and highly effective WATER Institute team. The WATER Institute Associate Director of Development and Communications (WATER AD) is responsible for overseeing and supporting all of WATER’s fundraising, communication, and select project management activities. Primary duties include tracking major gifts and donor cultivation, preparing appeals and other fundraising materials, conducting foundation research and solicitation, and collaborating on grant proposals and reports with WATER staff. This position manages the production of all WATER communications, contributing effective writing and technical skills towards the success of its diverse projects. The WATER AD will manage select projects through completion. This position reports to and assists WATER Co-Directors, while working in collaboration with the Beaver Coexistence Program Manager and OAEC’s core development and communications teams. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about social justice and protecting and restoring biological diversity, and is excited to help sustain and grow WATER’s impact in the world.
We are accepting applications until 5:00pm PST, Sunday May 11, 2025. Early application is encouraged as applicant screening will begin immediately. The preferred start date is the middle of June, 2025. This role is 40 hrs/week with up to 3 days per week remote possible.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB
Oversee and Support the WATER Institute’s Development in Coordination with OAEC Development Manager
- Manage projections and tracking of WATER donations and grants.
- Take lead on Letters of Inquiry (LOIs), grant proposals and grant reports, or edit others when written by WATER staff.
- Oversee the timely compilation of the elements of grant proposals and reports (narrative, financials, attachments, etc.) in preparation for submission.
- Support WATER Co-Directors in donor and foundation outreach, and maintain the system for tracking WATER’s communications with donors and foundations.
- Manage all files, tracking systems, spreadsheets, and calendars for WATER’s foundation and government grants, including deadlines for proposals, reports and invoices.
- Support the development and tracking of WATER consulting contracts and oversee timely submission of invoices.
- Track WATER’s public engagements and maintain its Outreach Document (for use in foundation grant proposals and reports).
Manage the WATER Institute’s Communications and Outreach
- Co-create and implement outreach strategies to build awareness and acceptance of program initiatives (ie. Bring Back the Beaver and the Fuels to Flows campaigns).
- With Co-Director input, lead content creation (brochures, videos, etc.) highlighting the programs’ innovative practices and hire/manage subcontractors as needed.
- Manage WATER’s web, blog, newsletter and social media communications in coordination with OAEC’s Communications Manager (we currently use WordPress, Mailchimp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn).
- Regularly review and edit our existing WATER pages on the website and develop new content.
- Manage updating, reprinting and distribution of educational guidebooks.
- Manage production of new and existing merchandise (stickers, hats, flags, t-shirts, etc.) in coordination with OAEC Communications Manager.
- Manage WATER photo database.