About AltaSeads

AltaSeads Conservancy, founded in 2022, is an emerging and dynamic non-profit organization with a pioneering vision. Our mission is to facilitate the preservation, protection, and restoration of the genetic diversity of marine macroalgae (seaweed), which is currently facing multiple existential threats.  To accomplish this, we are establishing a globally recognized seaweed seed bank specializing in the scientifically rigorous acquisition, preservation, and distribution of natural macroalgal germplasm, along with its associated bacteria. At the heart of our work is building an inclusive collection of biodiverse seed stocks, focusing on keystone species and high-potential mariculture crops. We are also committed to establishing comprehensive databases that encompass macroalgal phenotypic and genetic information of the strains in our collection. Our approach is designed to facilitate easy, equitable, and transparent access to our seed collection, and to this critical data, by different communities of interest, thereby catalyzing scientific research, ecological restoration, and innovative applications of macroalgae. Our ultimate goal is to harness the potential of macroalgae to address globally significant societal challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and biodiverse future. Our website, AltaSeads Conservancy, offers detailed insights into our innovative endeavors.

Job Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will take a holistic approach to the growth and management of our organization. This dynamic position requires a comprehensive approach to growth and management, aligning closely with our mission to preserve ocean biodiversity for future generations. Your role will be instrumental in demonstrating how philanthropy can be a powerful force in this endeavor. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Goal Orientation: Steer the team towards our core objectives, maintaining a laser focus on these goals.
• Priority Setting: Determine the hierarchy of projects, prospects, and plans, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
• Strategic Oversight: While not solely responsible for generating strategy, your role is crucial in validating, enhancing, and supporting it. You will provide a robust framework for its execution.
• Resource Deployment: Assign tasks and responsibilities effectively, clarifying who does what and how.
• Accountability and Performance Measurement: Establish clear benchmarks for assessing individual and team performance. Your primary objective is to ensure the achievement of our growth plan. This includes expanding operations to reach a $3M annual target, heightening awareness of the global ocean biodiversity crisis and the critical role of seed banking, and leveraging organizational priorities to maximize impact.

Responsibilities

• Form strong partnerships with CEOs and CFOOs to set multi-year fundraising priorities, revenue targets, and engagement strategies for key supporters and the media.
• Drive the execution of our current growth plan, focusing on expanding our grounds, enhancing our USA stockholdings, advancing international seedbank training, and widening our partner and donor base. Oversee revenue-generating activities and external relations, including branding and communications, to ensure alignment with our strategy.
• Collaborate closely with the CFOO in the budgeting process, encompassing budget creation, risk evaluation, report generation, and devising two-year revenue plans.
• Identify funding opportunities aligned with our strategic goals, including outreach to high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations, and nurture long-term donor relationships.
• Lead the development of a fundraising team, fostering a people-first culture, focusing on staff retention and growth, and guiding them towards achieving annual goals.
• Develop partnerships in Pacific Rim seed banking and enhance in-country fundraising. Oversee policy and system development supporting growth.
• Stay updated on trends in marketing, philanthropy, and fund development, and share insights with the C-suite and the Board.
• Ensure compliance with California regulations and laws, maintain donor accountability standards, and adhere to ethical fundraising practices.
• Provide regular updates to the Board, including strategic insights on revenue generationand fundraising and partner with them to elevate our focus areas.
• Enhance brand recognition for AltaSeads and global awareness of the ocean biodiversity crisis.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, and revenue growth.
• 5 years in Business Development/Fundraising in nonprofits, managing budgets over $3 million USD.
• Proven success in securing funding from various sources, including multilateral, individual, and corporate donors.
• Minimum 5 years of team/people management experience.
• Strong collaborative skills with senior leaders, board members, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience in international development and familiarity with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Data-driven analytical skills.

Bonus Points for:

• Experience in aquaculture/mariculture.
• Background in ocean biodiversity preservation and restoration.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental and 401(k).

Requirements/Other

• Willingness to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally, including to developing countries.
• Flexibility to work outside standard office hours for global collaboration.
• AltaSeads Conservancy does not offer immigration sponsorship for this role.
• Commitment to child protection, preventing sexual abuse and exploitation, and promoting a culture of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• AltaSeads Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from women, people with disabilities, and diverse backgrounds to reflect the communities we serve.

Salary Range

$100,000 to $130,000

To Apply

Please submit a resume, 3 letters of reference, and a short vision statement for your role in the organization.

AltaSeads Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.