Development & Communications Officer

Company: Laguna Ocean Foundation
Location: Laguna Beach
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Organization: Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) Location: Laguna Beach, CA Schedule: Part-Time (25–30 hours/week) | Hybrid / Flexible Reports to: Executive DirectorPosition Overview The Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) seeks a Part-Time Development & Communications Officer to lead fundraising, donor engagement, and communications in support of our mission to protect and steward Laguna Beach’s coastal and marine resources through education, conservation, and community involvement. This role is central to LOF’s long-term sustainability and public presence. The ideal candidate is a strong relationship-builder and communicator who is comfortable working independently in a small, mission-driven organization while collaborating closely with staff, leadership, and community partners. This position has the potential to grow into a full-time role based on successful performance, organizational needs, and funding growth. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelopment & Fundraising · Develop and implement multi-channel fundraising strategies, including individual giving, major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and annual appeals · Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, with an emphasis on long-term engagement · Lead donor stewardship and engagement efforts, including personalized communications, acknowledgments, and impact reporting · Research, write, and manage grant proposals, reports, and compliance requirements · Track fundraising performance and provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board Communications & Outreach · Plan, implement, and coordinate LOF communications, including social media, website content, newsletters, and public or speaker-based programs · Support storytelling that highlights LOF’s education programs, conservation impact, partnerships, and community presence · Assist with messaging and materials that elevate LOF’s visibility and strengthen donor and public engagement Events & Community Engagement · Plan and support fundraising, cultivation, and community outreach events · Represent LOF at community events, meetings, and partner gatherings as appropriate Data & Administrative Support · Manage and maintain LOF’s donor database (Givebutter) and related systems (e.g., Mailchimp, spreadsheets), ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and reporting · Coordinate across staff and departments to align development efforts with organizational priorities Qualifications · Passion for and commitment to ocean and coastal conservation · Warm, personable, and confident communicator, comfortable engaging donors and community members in a professional and approachable manner · 3–5 years of nonprofit development, fundraising, or related experience · Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience (e.g., nonprofit management, public administration, finance, marketing, ecology, biology, or related disciplines) · Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and/or event planning · Strong writing, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills · Proven ability to build authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners · Familiarity with the Southern Orange County philanthropic community preferred · Experience using CRM systems (Givebutter or similar) and email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp) · Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, leadership, and board members Compensation & Schedule · Part-time position, 25–30 hours per week , with a flexible, hybrid schedule · Compensation commensurate with experience · Opportunity for growth into a full-time position based on performance and organizational capacity E04JI800ui41408lku3

Keywords: Laguna Ocean Foundation, Azusa , Development & Communications Officer, PR / Public Relations , Laguna Beach, California