Careers

Want to support our mission in the "paw-fice?"

Major Gift Officer

MAJOR GIFT OFFICER

The current operating budget of SDF is $7.7 million, including capital expenditures. Over the past three years, the annual budget has increased approximately 11% yearover-year, with a 12% increase year-over-year over the past five years. SDF does not receive any government grants, and each year, approximately 3,800 individuals, foundations, companies, and groups contribute to SDF. At SDF, we embrace a culture of teamwork, innovation, compassion, and integrity, and all staff recognize that their responsibilities are vitally important to the success and overall health of the organization.

 

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Major Gift Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donations, including major gifts (currently defined as $5,000 and above), legacy, and planned gifts, and will serve as a key thought partner on the Philanthropy team (4 Full-time positions), with the opportunity to bring new ideas to the table. This individual will play a critical role in cultivating and stewarding relationships with a portfolio of existing individual and foundation donors on a local and national level who share our commitment to disaster response and canine welfare. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of securing significant gifts from individual and foundation donors, as well as a deep understanding of all fundraising strategies and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive moves management strategy and system to support the mission and programs of the Search Dog Foundation. • Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 individual and foundation prospects and donors, focusing on securing annual, legacy, and/or blended gifts .
  • Serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic brand ambassador, sharing compelling stories about our mission, programs, and canine partners and providing insights into our training techniques and operations.
  • Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy, Executive Director, board members, and other senior leaders to integrate tour experiences and storytelling into major gift cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Make direct, face-to-face solicitations and occasionally assist the board and other staff with their solicitations (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
  • Acknowledge major donors through public and private recognition.
  • Develop, in collaboration with the Philanthropy and Communications teams, compelling solicitation materials, including proposals and presentations, tailored to the interests and priorities of major donors.
  • Coordinate with Philanthropy and Program staff on gathering up-to-date Program data for requests, proposals, and progress reports.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment in using this data to align with donor interests to create compelling cases for support in all areas of operations.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and activities in the donor database, tracking progress and measuring outcomes against established goals.
  • Provide presentations and tours of SDF’s facility to prospective and existing donors.
  • Identify, research, and qualify major donor prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, with a focus on building a robust pipeline of potential supporters.
  • Other administrative duties as assigned.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher, or applicable work experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, with a demonstrated track record of securing significant gifts from individual donors.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with major donors, including experience working with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic foundations. • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies.
  • Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, staff, volunteers, and external partners. • Self-motivated, results-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
  • High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook (PowerPoint a plus).
  • Proficiency in Salesforce or donor database and fundraising software.
  • Passion for the mission and values of Search Dog Foundation.
  • Valid driver’s license.

This is a full-time hybrid position, requiring occasional presence at our headquarters in Santa Paula, California, as well as national travel as needed.

 

COMPENSATION

Search Dog Foundation provides a competitive salary and benefits package, encompassing medical, dental, vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, travel expenses as required, dog-friendly offices, and opportunities for professional development.

 

APPLICANTS

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We have a rolling application process for all of our administrative positions.

Want to work with dogs on our campus?

Canine Behavior and Training Team Positions

CANINE BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING TEAM 

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is seeking dynamic team players with a detail-oriented focus, self-initiation, and a passion for working with creative people and canines to join our Canine Behavior and Training Team. Individuals should fully embrace SDF’s mission and be able to work independently, as well as with our entire team. This is a full-time onsite position based in Santa Paula, CA and we seek to build a diverse team.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) recruits high-drive dogs from shelters and rescues, channels that drive through training and enrichment, and finds each dog a successful working career or family home. Our Lifetime Care Credo that once rescued, a dog that enters our program will never need to be rescued again is at the heart of our program.

SDF is looking for experienced canine professionals that share our team’s passion for working with high-drive dogs and that want to join us in celebration of the human-canine bond. SDF’s Canine Behavior and Training Team, including our Canine Kennel Technicians, Canine Training Assistants, and Canine Trainers, work together each day to achieve the goals for all canines in our program.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The primary role of our Canine Behavior and Training Team members (Canine Training Assistants and Canine Trainers), is to positively contribute to the forward advancement of the care and training progress of the dogs in our program. Specific duties are assigned based upon the skill and experience of the individual team member and may include the following:

  • Meet all the basic care and medical needs of our dogs (daily feeding, grooming, administering medications, etc.) and execute our comprehensive canine athletic conditioning program.
  • Implementation of canine training plans to include basic to advanced level training of skills in a variety of areas.
  • Assist in the behavioral and performance screening of dogs.
  • Digital data collection/recordkeeping of all activities related to our dogs.
  • Provide support and mentorship to Canine Operations Team members and canine handlers.
  • Work courteously and cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and handlers. Treat people and animals with respect; contribute to effective teamwork; foster public relations beneficial to SDF and its programs; promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals and treat canines humanely and with compassion at all times regardless of circumstances, including those that are sick, injured, fearful or aggressive.
  • Other tasks and duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

SDF’s Canine Behavior and Training Team positions require a high level of physical and mental fitness. Physical exertion will be required, including but not limited to the following:

  • The ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.).
  • The ability to handle large, energetic, untrained canines in a rigorous, fast-paced environment.
  • The ability to climb unstable surfaces and negotiate concrete, wood, and green waste rubble piles.
  • The ability to be comfortable as a mock “victim”, buried in rubble and hidden in training props.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

We are currently recruiting for several positions and welcome applicants of all skill levels. Position and salary ranges are commensurate with the experience and skill level of the individual. We are currently looking for individuals with the following minimum requirements:

  • Experience working with dogs in a professional environment.
  • The ability to work in a demanding and emotionally challenging environment.
  • Ability to work with dogs in all states of health, and of unknown dispositions in a safe, effective and humane manner. Ability to embrace the philosophy and science that all dogs are individuals.
  • Flexibility in scheduling and workflow.
  • Ability to problem-solve, innovate, and work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to help fulfill the mission of SDF.
  • Must have a genuine passion for the work, programs, and mission of SDF.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed.
  • Strong interest in life-long learning and skill development.
  • A cooperative, team-oriented attitude.
  • Open-mindedness and willingness to learn.
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including exemplary customer service skills.
  • Valid driver’s license.

APPLICANTS

If you feel you would be a good fit for this fast-moving, dynamic team environment, we would love to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume electronically to the Senior Director of Canine Operations, Tracy Darling, at [email protected] to be considered for this position. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we look forward to reviewing applications from all who are qualified to apply.

We have a rolling application process for all of our Canine Behavior and Training Team positions.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t inquire.

The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.