SAVE OUR SHORES DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Position: Development and Communications Coordinator
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, non-exempt — 40 hours/week
Schedule: Monday–Friday with occasional evenings and weekends as needed based on programmatic requirements. Some holiday work may be required.
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Pay: $24.75/hour (starting), based on experience
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About Save Our Shores: Save Our Shores is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation along California’s Central Coast. Founded in 1978 in response to proposed offshore oil drilling, the organization played a key role in the designation of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Today, our work has grown to include marine science education for local students, community engagement through stewardship programs, pollution prevention initiatives, and ongoing advocacy to advance policies that protect our ocean and coastline.
Job Purpose: The Development and Communications Coordinator is a full-time role that leads Save Our Shores' fundraising operations, donor stewardship, and communications efforts. This position manages the full cycle of development operations (e.g., gift processing, Bloomerang donor database management, and bank deposits) while also driving the organization's external communications, including social media, e-newsletters, and physical mailings. The Coordinator plans and executes corporate volunteer beach cleanups, serves as liaison to the board's Engagement Committee, and plays an active role in community events and organizational outreach.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Development Operations & Donor Stewardship
• Serve as the organization's primary expert in Bloomerang donor management software, including data entry, database cleanup, and reporting
• Process all incoming donations accurately and in a timely manner; conduct regular donation deposits to the bank
• Generate donor acknowledgment letters and tax receipts
• Produce financial and donor reports in coordination with the Director of Finance and Ops.
• Maintain and update the donor database with accurate contact information, giving history, and relationship notes
• Support donor stewardship activities, including personalized communications, events, and recognition efforts
Communications & Marketing
• Produce and publish content across social media platforms on a consistent schedule
• Produce and distribute a monthly e-newsletter to supporters, including content development, design, and delivery
• Plan and execute quarterly physical mailings to supporters, including content creation, printing coordination, and mailing logistics
• Contribute to website updates, content management, and digital asset organization
• Assist in the development of marketing materials and event promotions
Corporate Engagement & Partnerships
• Plan and implement corporate-sponsored beach cleanups from initial outreach through on-site facilitation and post-event follow-up
• Cultivate and steward relationships with corporate partners and sponsors through ongoing communication and engagement opportunities
• Support growth of the corporate engagement program through targeted outreach and event representation
Board Engagement Committee Liaison
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors' Engagement Committee
• Work collaboratively with the Engagement Committee to design, plan, and execute donor and community events (about three annually)
• Coordinate committee meetings, prepare agendas and materials, and follow up on action items
Additional Responsibilities
• Support planning, coordination, and execution of organizational events including Annual Coastal Cleanup Day
• Assist with procurement of organizational materials and supplies
• Participate in advocacy efforts, including public meetings, rallies, and community events
Desired Knowledge and Skills
We recognize this role covers a wide range of responsibilities. We are looking for someone who brings 2-4 years of solid foundational skills, a genuine willingness to learn, and the drive to grow into the full scope of the position. The following skills are desired:
• Experience with donor management software (Bloomerang strongly preferred); candidates eager to become proficient in Bloomerang are eager to apply
• Familiarity with the Monterey Bay region and coastal conservation issues preferred
• Experience with social media content creation and scheduling across multiple platforms
• Experience producing newsletters, email campaigns, and print communications
• Experience engaging diverse audiences, including corporate groups and community members
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, WordPress, and social media platforms
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:
· Access to a personal vehicle for travel throughout the Monterey Bay area (mileage reimbursed)
· Ability to transport materials and supplies, including items that may be sandy or wet
· Ability to stand and sit for extended periods
· Ability to walk 2–3 miles on sandy or uneven terrain
· Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Compensation & Benefits
Save Our Shores offers the following benefits package:
• Hourly rate: $24.75/hour starting
• Health insurance (health, vision, dental) fully covered by Save Our Shores for the employee
• 13 paid federal holidays per year
• 80 hours paid sick time
• Paid time off: 10 days in year one, increasing to 15 days after the first year
• $500 annual professional development stipend
• Flexible hybrid work schedule
How to Apply: Please email cover letter, resume, and 2 professional references to Katie Thompson (katie@saveourshores.org) with the email title: DEV/COMS COORDINATOR. Applications received by June 12 will receive first consideration.
Save Our Shores is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. People with disabilities, people of color, indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
These duties, percentages, dates, and descriptions are subject to change.
