Yucca Valley Material Lab
Philanthropy Officer Job Description

Position Overview: The Philanthropy Officer is a core member of Yucca Valley Material Lab’s staff and plays a key role in strengthening relationships with donors and prospects to secure funding for YVML’s future. This position is responsible for leading donor engagement strategies, stewarding relationships, and supporting the successful execution of the Campaign for Creative Access and annual fundraising initiatives. The Philanthropy Officer works closely with the YVML Director, staff, and Board to advance fundraising goals, strengthen development systems, and support the long-term sustainability of YVML.

This is a hybrid role combining remote work with periodic in-person engagement. In-person responsibilities include scheduled donor events, and approximately 3–4 donor engagement meetings per month at YVML sites or within the region, typically alongside the YVML Director. Additional in-person meetings may be scheduled as needed by mutual agreement. 

This is a part-time position (approximately 25 - 30 hours per week). The role is expected to begin with an initial six-month term, with the potential for extension based on organizational needs and funding.

To apply, send a resume with two references and a cover letter to info@yvml.org.

Campaign for Creative Access:

  • Maintain and update the Campaign prospect list on a weekly basis

  • Track Campaign donations and pledges

  • Coordinate Volunteer Committee tasks, communications, and meetings

  • Support planning and execution of Campaign-related events

  • Assist with Campaign messaging and donor communications

  • Manage and advance Campaign Plan tasks and timelines

  • Draft and maintain Campaign-related policies and documentation

  • Oversee ongoing edits and updates to the Campaign microsite

  • Implement the Campaign endowment strategy in coordination with leadership

Annual Giving:

  • Implement an annual strategy for online fundraising appeals and campaigns in collaboration with the YVML Director

  •  Manage and maintain the Fundraising Planning Matrix

Moves Management + Prospect Management  (for both Campaign for Creative Access and Annual Giving)

Manage a structured moves management process and donor pipeline  to support both campaign and annual fundraising goals:

  • Identification: find and qualify potential donors who have the capacity and inclination to give

  • Qualification: conduct prospect research to assess readiness for cultivation and solicitation

  • Cultivation: build and manage direct relationships with qualified prospects, serving as the primary relationship manager

  • In Person Outreach: help coordinate and participate in 3–4 in-person donor engagement meetings per month (lunches or coffees), held at YVML sites or in the region, alongside the Director; board members may be included selectively for guest invitations and relationship-building

  • Solicitation: prepare the YVML Director for donor asks and participate in asks when appropriate

  • Stewardship: ensure timely acknowledgment, fulfillment of donor deliverables, and long-term relationship retention

CRM Administration: 

  • Manage donor records, activities, pledges, and reporting within the CRM

  •  Maintain and update online donation forms and ensure accurate fund allocation

  •  Maintain data integrity, including identifying and resolving duplicate records

Development Operations:

  • Monitor donation transactions daily

  • Monitor vehicle donations weekly

  • Review and document donor contact interactions on an ongoing basis

  • Ensure accurate tracking of pledges, payments, and donor deliverables

  • Coordinate internal reporting to support fundraising progress and financial reconciliation

  • Track and analyze fundraising performance, donor engagement, and pipeline activity to help inform development strategy and campaign progress

Policies + Procedures:

  • Develop, document, and maintain YVML-specific fundraising policies, procedures, templates, and related documentation

  • Ensure fundraising operations align with nonprofit compliance standards, including donor intent documentation, gift acceptance policies, and applicable accounting and reporting standards

  • Collaborate with the YVML Director and Board as needed to ensure appropriate review, governance alignment, and approval

Non-Profit Tasks:

  • As with any non-profit there are a variety of tasks that will need to be performed to help strengthen the overall organization outside the details of this job description