Employment

Founded in 1985, the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt California non-profit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. With a community-centered approach to conservation and an inclusive team environment, we prioritize professional development, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Interested? Check out our current openings to learn more and apply.

Development Intern

Job type: Part-time, temporary

Description

Organization Overview

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California nonprofit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For almost 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of over 58,000 acres, 61conservation easements, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust is looking for a talented Development Intern to join our dynamic and collaborative team. This is a part-time, temporary position reporting to the Director of Development & Communications. The Development Intern position provides support to the Development and Communications team for the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.

As a Development Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, including database management and donor relations. You’ll receive mentorship from experienced professionals and have opportunities for networking within the organization. This role provides practical skills and insights into the nonprofit sector, enhancing your career development.

Responsibilities

Database Management 

• Using Donor Perfect software, performs data entry and assists with the management and upkeep of an accurate donor database. Responsible for updates related to returned mail from membership renewals, printed newsletters, year-end appeals and other special campaigns. Corrects database for inconsistencies. Create new records and update existing records with contact information collected at development events.
• Process incoming gifts, including database recording, thank-you/acknowledgement letters, and new donor packets.

General Membership Support

• Assists with the production and process of donor communications and mailings – including but not limited to renewals and thank you letters. Weekly thank you calls to donors.
• Assist with special events and outreach as needed. 
• Provide general administrative support as needed.

Requirements

• Personal interest in the conservation mission of the Land Trust.
• Experience with or a demonstrated capacity to learn use of donor database software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to teamwork and ability to work creatively and independently.
• Attend weekly check-in with Development Associate and/or Development team in addition to other meetings as needed. 
• Attention to detail.
• Bilingual Spanish language fluency a plus. 

Essential Requirements 

• Available for occasional weekend work.
• Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, twist.
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is a part-time, temporary, non-exempt position with flexible hours approximately 8-12 hours per week. The hourly rate range is $17-$19/hr. Work is performed on-site at our offices in downtown Santa Barbara.

Please submit a resume and a compelling cover letter. 

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Salary Description

$17.00 – $19.00 / hour

Donor Relations Analyst

Job Type: Full-time

Description

About the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California non-profit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We have conserved more than 58,000 acres across Santa Barbara County and are a nationally – accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. Currently, the Land Trusts holds 61 conservation easements with additional significant transactions in process. The Land Trust also owns and manages preserves with public visitors including Arroyo Hondo Preserve, a magnificent coastal canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park. The Land Trust is expanding our work so we can better serve everyone in this incredible county, this includes new community-based programs and creating a possible public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.

Position Summary

This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Director of Development and Communications. The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is seeking a highly organized and analytical Donor Relations Analyst to support our fundraising efforts by managing donor data, conducting prospect research, and providing actionable insights to optimize fundraising strategies. This position is critical to our development team’s success, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our donor database and enhancing our ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with current and prospective supporters.

The Analyst will be responsible for maintaining an accurate donor database using Donor Perfect software, producing reports for fundraising activities, and conducting research utilizing a wide range of resources, including publications, online databases, community resources, existing files, and public records to provide valuable insights into prospective major donors. In addition, the Analyst will assist with project management for special fundraising initiatives, providing research and strategic support to align donor priorities with the organization’s development activities.

Responsibilities

Database Management

• Maintain and update donor data using DonorPerfect, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Generate reports for fundraising activities, including invitations, appeals, and communications.
• Correct database inconsistencies and update contact information from outreach events.
• Implement improvements to database processes as needed.

Prospect Research

• Conduct detailed research on prospective major donors, including financial and biographical data.
• Assess wealth indicators and provide financial capacity ratings for prospects.
• Prepare reports, profiles, and recommendations to support fundraising efforts.
• Maintain an organized, up-to-date database of prospect records.

Project Support

• Assist with special fundraising initiatives by providing research and strategic support.
• Contribute to proposals, programs, and strategies with research-driven insights.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in CRM database management and prospect research, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Proficient with DonorPerfect or other CRMs and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and data accuracy.
• Ability to handle sensitive donor information with discretion.
• Self-starter with a collaborative work ethic and strong communication skills.
• Commitment to the Land Trust’s mission of conservation and land preservation.

Essential Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, twist
• Ability to lift or move up to 15 pounds
• This role is remote in California. Candidates must be located within California to be considered, preferably within commuting distance of Santa Barbara to attend in-person meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is commensurate within the non-profit field and is based upon experience. Annual compensation range is $50,000-$65,000. Benefits include generous vacation, paid health and dental premiums, and a supportive team culture. Successful candidates also have the opportunity to join an employer-sponsored retirement plan. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with the option of hybrid or remote work within California.

Salary Description

$50,000 – $65,000 / year

Land Programs Associate

Job Type: Non-exempt (hourly)

Description

About the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California nonprofit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For almost 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of over 58,000 acres, 58 conservation easements, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors. The Land Trust is expanding our work to better serve everyone in this incredible county, including new community-based programs and creating a possible public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is looking for a Land Programs Associate to join our dynamic team. This is a new, non-exempt (hourly) position based in the Santa Maria Valley with a remote connection to the Land Trust’s office in Santa Barbara. This position reports to the Land Programs Director. The Land Programs Associate will connect our community to the work of the Land Trust through building collaborative partnerships with individuals and groups that bring different ways of knowing, stewarding, and engaging with nature. This position is responsible for conducting meaningful programs such as a bilingual public hiking series, guided outdoor experiences, volunteer events, and other community activities and learning opportunities. The ideal candidate will be a creative-thinker and thoughtful communicator, who enjoys being outdoors and is passionate about nature and serving the Santa Barbara County community. 

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of community programs, such as the Land Trust’s public hiking program, educational events, and other opportunities to connect the Santa Barbara County community with nature and the other work of the Land Trust. 
• Support the work of departmental management staff by conducting day-to-day administrative support activities and by providing a professional-level resource for organization, coordination, scheduling, and communications. 
• Create bi-lingual digital and printed educational materials and presentations including program advertisements, information guides, and other tools for communication with a variety of audiences and purposes. 
• Represent the Land Trust in various collaborations and working groups, public meetings, and events. 
• Support relationship-building with Tribes and BIPOC communities to meaningfully integrate the perspectives and priorities of historically marginalized communities into the Land Trust’s work. 
• Support efforts to develop a possible new public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley. 
• Support fundraising as appropriate including grant applications, donor tours, and special events. 
• Support program and grant budget development and reporting as appropriate.  

Requirements

• College degree in relevant field or commensurate experience
• 2+ years progressive project management or program support in the areas of community programs, education, engagement or outreach working with diverse stakeholders
• Spanish language fluency required
• Ability to work independently and oversee a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to listen to and discuss problems and complaints tactfully
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Santa Barbara County and to work weekends and some evenings. This is a Tuesday to Saturday position.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs. Proficient with presentation software, Microsoft Office, or an ability to quickly learn new software programs
• Commitment to working with the community to advance the Land Trust’s mission
• Willingness to learn and maintain CPR/wilderness first aid certifications
• Informed passion, commitment, and sense of urgency for the mission of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Essential Requirements

Access to reliable transportation

Ability to frequently hike 5 miles over rugged terrain off established trails.

Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, and twist.

Ability to lift or move up to 40 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual compensation range is $55,000 – $64,000. Benefits include generous vacation, paid health and dental premiums, and a supportive team culture. Employees also have the opportunity to join an employer-sponsored retirement plan. 

This is a full-time, non-exempt, remote position. 

Candidates must be located within the Santa Maria Valley, California area.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Salary Description

$26.44 – $30.77 per hour

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.