Chief Philanthropy Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Heal the Bay - Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO)

Job Announcement

About the Position

Heal the Bay is seeking a strategic, mission-driven fundraising leader to serve as our Chief Philanthropy Officer. This senior role is an exciting opportunity for a professional who is passionate about environmental education and advocacy and skilled in generating major gifts, grants, and philanthropic partnerships.

With climate change and pollution threatening California’s coastlines, rivers, and marine life, Heal the Bay is dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s ecosystems. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will be instrumental in securing the $6M+ in annual funding needed to advance our science, advocacy, education, and community engagement efforts.

We’re looking for a dynamic and goal-oriented leader who can inspire donors, build strategic partnerships, and drive fundraising success to support a cleaner, healthier Santa Monica Bay and beyond.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and expand financial support for Heal the Bay. This role requires an experienced and dynamic leader with a strong track record in developing and stewarding major gifts. The role also requires experience directing and managing staff responsible for donor relations, corporate partnerships, grant administration, and fundraising events. The CPO will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth, fostering meaningful donor relationships, and positioning Heal the Bay for long-term financial sustainability.

Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and external stakeholders, the CPO will ensure that fundraising efforts align with the organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and programmatic priorities. This position requires a forward-thinking, results-driven leader who can balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Growth & Fundraising Strategy

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising plan that strengthens and diversifies revenue streams, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and special events.
• Identify and leverage new funding opportunities within the private sector and philanthropic communities, including corporate partnerships, and cause marketing initiatives.
• Oversee grant writing and administration, ensuring high-quality proposals, compliance with reporting requirements, and alignment with Heal the Bay’s mission.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all fundraising activities in Salesforce and Egnyte, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and adherence to nonprofit best practices.

Major Gifts Identification and Stewardship

Signature Events & Donor Engagement

Team Leadership & Development Operations

Board & Leadership Collaboration

Ideal Candidate

This position is ideal for a strategic and results-driven fundraising professional who is passionate about environmental conservation and has a strong ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. The Chief Philanthropy Officer must be both a visionary leader and a hands-on executor, capable of balancing long-term planning with day-to-day fundraising operations.

Success in this role will require exceptional communication skills, financial acumen, team leadership, and a deep understanding of nonprofit development strategies. The right candidate will be energized by the opportunity to elevate Heal the Bay’s fundraising efforts, drive sustainable revenue growth, and secure the resources necessary to advance the organization’s mission.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Required Experience and Skills :

Preferred Qualifications :

Compensation & Work Environment :

Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.

Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.