Development and Communications Coordinator

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

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 encouraged 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

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

Equal Opportunity Statement
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.

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