The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is seeking an Individual Giving - Special Events Manager to assume fundraising activities to raise unrestricted and restricted funds as needed from individuals and sponsors. This is an exempt position that reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

The Individual Giving/Special Events Manager is responsible for engaging individual donors and managing event activities and sponsors to fulfill our mission. The Individual Giving - Special Events Manager will work alongside the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer in the management and execution of all development-related activities, with a specific focus on planning and executing special events and annual campaign fundraising in order to increase individual giving.

• Create a comprehensive annual giving plan for individual donor acquisition and retention
• Assist CEO in devising and implementing a plan for major donor acquisition and retention
• Plan and execute “Tip Top Run” and “Laguna Kahuna.”
• Increase income from each event by 10%
• Assist Chief Operating Officer in planning and operating the annual gala and the annual “Haunted Corn Maze.”
• Cultivate and solicit gala sponsorships
• Lead gala silent and live auction procurement
• Engage Gala Committee and Board Members in acquiring auction items
• Track auction items and create item descriptions, bid sheets, and displays
• Create an approved vendor guidelines document
• Solicit newsletter advertisers
• Bring new partners to the Foundation through passive fundraisers
• Engage pre-school parents to become more connected with all aspects of Agua Hedionda through memberships, events and outreach
• Other duties as required

• 2 – 3 years experience in nonprofit fundraising or similar transferable skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM database entry
• Comfortable engaging with individual donors and sponsors
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to the mission of Agua Hedionda
• Willingness to learn and try new things

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Carlsbad, CA. The Foundation operates the Discovery Center, a nature center with an extraordinary collection of hands-on exhibits, walking trails, gardens, animal ambassadors and more. It also acts as the clubhouse for an array of environmental educational programs, fundraising events, community gatherings, and field trips, as well as private rental spaces for our members.

OUR VISION: To be Stewards of the Watershed as we inspire future generations so we all have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe space in nature…for all.

Mission: To energize the community through education and outreach to preserve the Agua Hedionda Lagoon as a healthy and accessible watershed.