Coordinator, Development
Coordinator, Development
South Coast Botanic Garden | Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
About South Coast Botanic Garden
South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of formal garden collections and natural walking trails founded atop the most unlikely of beginnings — a sanitary landfill. Today, South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) stands as a testament to the regenerative power of nature and the possibilities for land reclamation as it continues to transition from landfill to landmark.
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, a seasonal butterfly pavilion, annual public programs and rotating traveling exhibitions. Programs invite guests to interact with nature through music, craft, science, and wellness activities. Even more excitement is ahead with the creation of a 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden scheduled for completion in the coming years.
There has never been a better time to join this dynamic team.
SCBG fosters an environment where strategic focus and cultural health work hand-in-hand, ensuring alignment and resilience. The ideal candidate displays a grateful and positive outlook, wholeheartedly supports SCBG’s mission to connect ALL to the wonders of nature, and has the grit necessary to grow with the Garden. Candidates should be excited to collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to the organization’s strategic goals.
Reports To: Senior Director, Development
Position Summary
The Development Coordinator plays a key role in advancing South Coast Botanic Garden's philanthropic initiatives by providing administrative, operational, and project coordination support across all areas of fundraising. Working closely with the Development team, this position supports institutional giving, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, annual giving, membership initiatives, and donor stewardship efforts.
This highly collaborative, non-exempt position requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. The ideal candidate is proactive, service-oriented, adaptable, and excited to contribute to a growing nonprofit organization committed to creating meaningful donor experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Donor Support
- Coordinate donor recognition programs, including donor walls, recognition plaques, naming opportunities, and capital campaign acknowledgments.
- Coordinate sponsor benefit fulfillment and assist with stewardship activities that strengthen long-term donor relationships.
- Assist in developing fundraising communications (emails, proposals, donor correspondence, presentations)
- Conduct prospect research and develop donor/prospect profiles
- Support annual fund and membership initiatives in partnership with leadership
Events & Engagement
- Coordinate logistics for development events, including invitations, guest lists, RSVPs, and vendor coordination
- Provide on-site support for events, including evenings and weekends as needed
- Assist in planning donor cultivation and stewardship events (e.g., Banyan Legacy Society)
- Represent the Development Department professionally while serving as an ambassador for the Garden at fundraising and community events.
Data & Systems Management
- Maintain accurate and timely data in CRM system (Blackbaud Altru), including:
- Contact reports
- Constituent records
- Biographical and engagement data
- Identify and track prospective donors through membership and fundraising pipelines
- Support portfolio tracking and donor lifecycle management
- Serve as a primary user of Blackbaud Altru and Monday.com, helping improve workflows, reporting, and project coordination.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Coordinate scheduling, meetings, and calendars for Development leadership
- Assist with internal reporting, briefing materials, and donor bios
- Support general administrative functions within the Development Department
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve systems
- Prepare meeting materials, agendas, presentations, and donor briefing packets.
General Expectations
- Demonstrate commitment to SCBG’s mission, values, and culture
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
- Provide excellent customer service to donors, members, and guests
- Collaborate effectively across departments
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential donor information.
- Maintain accurate records and exceptional attention to detail.
- Foster positive working relationships across all Garden departments.
- Embrace continuous learning and process improvement.