Coordinator, Development - Part-time Temporary

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDATION•Unincorporated Rolling Hills Estates, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of formal gardens and natural walking trails founded atop the most unlikely of beginnings – a sanitary landfill. Today, the South Coast Botanic Garden stands as a testament to the regenerative power of nature and the possibilities for land reclamation. The stunning Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden is a signature experience, along with the show-stopping Living Wall, a long-term exhibit of eight remarkable large-scale works of fine art sculpture, and seasonal butterfly pavilion. Programs invite guests to interact with nature through music, craft, science and wellness activities. There is even more excitement to come, with the creation of a 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden scheduled for completion in the coming year. There has never been a better time to join this dynamic team! The Garden prescribes to the principles outlined in Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Advantage, and is committed to operating a smart and healthy workplace. The team has identified that the ideal Garden candidate displays a grateful and positive outlook, wholeheartedly supports the Garden’s mission to connect ALL to the wonders of nature, and has the grit necessary to take the operation to the next level. The Development Coordinator plays a key role in supporting fundraising efforts across the Garden’s primary giving channels, including institutional giving, sponsorships, major gifts, and membership. This position is ideal for a highly organized, proactive individual who enjoys staying one step ahead, solving problems, and growing within the field of nonprofit development. Serving as a central hub for the Development team, the Coordinator partners across functions to execute projects, support donor-facing efforts, and manage administrative and event-related activities. This role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and momentum. The ideal candidate is adaptable, self-directed, and comfortable working within systems and tools, while also bringing curiosity and initiative to improving processes and anticipating team needs. A strong customer-service mindset is essential, as this role supports meaningful interactions with donors, members, and guests that reflect the Garden’s high standards of care and relationship management. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career development professional to gain hands-on experience across fundraising strategies, including campaign execution, donor stewardship, membership programs, and prospect research, while working closely with senior leadership.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Ability to learn and effectively use CRM and project management systems (e.g., Blackbaud Altru, Monday.com)
Ability to work onsite in a collaborative office environment

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent nonprofit or relevant experience
Exposure to fundraising, development, or nonprofit environments preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate donor recognition efforts, including the Annual Donor Wall, Lifetime Member Wall, and capital project recognitions
Manage sponsor recognition approvals and logo reviews
Support corporate sponsor stewardship through benefit fulfillment
Coordinate the tribute bench program, including donor communication and plaque installation
Support all stages of development events, including planning, vendor coordination, logistics, and day-of execution
Coordinate invitations, mailing lists, and RSVP tracking for events and donor engagement activities
Assist in developing fundraising communications, including emails, letters, proposals, and presentations
Support annual fund and membership initiatives in partnership with the Director of Membership
Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in Blackbaud Altru, including contact reports and constituent data
Conduct prospect research and develop profiles to support fundraising efforts
Track and monitor prospect pipelines, ensuring movement through the donor lifecycle
Prepare briefing materials and bios for leadership and board engagement
Coordinate scheduling, meetings, and calendar support for Development leadership
Serve as a key user of the team’s project management tool (Monday.com) to track workflows and deadlines
Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and team efficiency
Support general administrative needs of the Development team
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the Garden’s mission and core values
Handle confidential information with discretion
Foster a respectful, inclusive, and positive work environment
Perform other duties as assigned