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Position Title: Fractional Development Director
Organization: Joshua Tree Foundation for Arts & Ecology
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Compensation
: $50,000 annually
Job Type:
Fractional, 20 hours per week
About the Joshua Tree Foundation for the Arts
The Joshua Tree Foundation for Arts and Ecology (dba Lou Harrison House) is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the intersection of art, culture, and ecology in the high desert. JTFAE has a rich history of connection with its community. Having hosted more than 100 artists-in-residence to date and evolving its Ecology Site to host regular arts and ecology education for youth and teens, and permaculture workshops for teens and adults. As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2027, JTFAE is at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation, poised to amplify our impact on the artistic and environmental communities we serve.
This inaugural fundraising leadership position will build on nearly two decades of collaboration, creativity, and stewardship. This person will work alongside Founder/Director Eva Soltes who brings nearly four decades of combined experience in Indian classical dance, music/arts production, documentary film/photography, and permaculture/ecology. Together with our Founder/Director, our committed board of directors, and our outstanding staff and volunteers, the person in this role will play a vital role in securing the foundation’s short-term operations support and long-term sustainability goals.
Position Overview
JTFAE seeks a relationship-focused and results-driven Development Director to lead and expand our fundraising efforts. This is a unique opportunity to shape and implement a comprehensive development strategy for an organization at the nexus of arts and environmental stewardship.
The Development Director will be responsible for diversifying revenue streams, deepening donor engagement, and securing funding to support existing programs, upcoming anniversary celebrations, and new initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of strategic thinking, hands-on implementation skills, a passion for the arts and environmental sustainability, and a strong track record of institutional and individual fundraising.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Execution
- Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, with clear benchmarks, to meet or exceed the organization’s revenue goals.
- Establish and implement strategies to secure individual, corporate, and foundation contributions, including major gifts, planned giving, and sponsorships.
- Collaborate with our Founder/Director to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities, including capital campaign fundraising prospects, particularly as JTFAE approaches its 20th anniversary.
Donor Stewardship, Cultivation and Administration
- Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring a personalized and meaningful donor experience.
- Design and execute donor recognition programs and engagement events.
- Prepare compelling grant proposals and funding reports to secure and sustain institutional support.
- Manage the migration of the CRM database and continue to maintain accurate donor records, providing prompt donation recognition receipts and coordinating personalized thank you recognition from our Founder/Director to ensure relationships are well maintained.
Event and Campaign Leadership
- Lead planning and fundraising efforts for JTFAE’s 20th-anniversary campaign in 2027.
- Oversee fundraising events, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission and financial goals.
- Identify opportunities to create innovative campaigns that engage the local and global community.
Board and Community Engagement
- Partner with the board of directors to enhance their fundraising capacity and involvement.
- Act as a key liaison with community stakeholders to strengthen JTFAE’s visibility and support.
- Represent JTFAE at community events and networking opportunities to elevate the organization’s profile.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management, with a track record of meeting fundraising goals.
- Familiarity with the arts and/or environmental nonprofit sectors preferred.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and storytelling skills.
- Proficiency in donor management software and/or CRM platforms.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment.
- Ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day development activities.
Compensation
- Salary: $50,000
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (grant or solicitation letter to high net worth prospect) and a list of three professional references to office.harrisonhouse@gmail.com with the subject line “Development Director Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by September 20, 2026.
Work Hours
20 hours per week
