Philanthropy Specialist

About the role:

Position: Philanthropy Specialist, Full Time, Exempt
Location: Primarily on-site at PWF Headquarters in Māʻalaea, Maui, with occasional remote days
Pay: $60,000 to $63,000 a year, based on skills and experience

Role Overview

Help supporters see the difference their giving makes for whales, dolphins, and the ocean. The Philanthropy Specialist stewards a portfolio of mid-level and first-year supporters for Pacific Whale Foundation, asks for their continued and growing support, and helps carry out annual giving. You’ll help turn engaged PacWhale Eco-Tours guests into lasting supporters and serve as the Development team’s bridge to our research, conservation, outreach, and education programs, turning program outcomes into clear, accurate impact stories.

What You’ll Do

• Steward a portfolio of 100 to 150 mid-level and first-year supporters through thank-you calls, impact updates, and invitations to engage
• Personally ask portfolio supporters for renewed and increased gifts, and meet annual goals for contacts, asks, and dollars raised
• Help plan and carry out annual giving, including appeals, membership renewals, and monthly giving
• Follow up with PacWhale Eco-Tours guests who have chosen to hear from PWF, and coordinate supporter experiences on the water
• Identify supporters ready for deeper giving and brief the Development Director and Chief Development Officer
• Serve as Development’s main liaison to PWF’s research, conservation, outreach, and education programs
• Turn program outcomes into impact stories and metrics for supporter communications, stewardship reports, and grant proposals
• Maintain the proposal template and an impact metrics dashboard for the Development team
• Serve as Development’s point of contact for the relaunching Ocean Ambassador volunteer program
• Track retention, upgrades, and gifts, and keep supporter records current in the CRM

What You’ll Bring

• Two to four years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience building relationships with supporters, members, or customers by phone, in person, and in writing
• Comfort asking supporters for gifts, by phone and in person
• Ability to understand scientific and conservation work and explain it accurately to non-technical audiences
• Excellent writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with internal teams
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Commitment to PWF’s mission, with a passion for conservation and community engagement

Bonus Points

• Experience soliciting gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Experience with donor management systems, ideally Neon CRM
• Experience with annual giving, appeals, or membership programs
• Connection to the Maui community and familiarity with Hawaiian culture and values

Requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Comfortable on vessels and in ocean conditions
• Ability to pass a background check
  
  

Before you start
Job offers depend on passing pre-employment checks. Under Hawaiʻi law, we only ask about conviction records after a conditional job offer.

Equal opportunity employer

PacWhale Eco-Adventures and Pacific Whale Foundation are equal opportunity employers. We make hiring decisions without unlawful discrimination. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, please let us know at HRDepartment@pacificwhale.org.

This posting describes the general nature of the job. It is not a complete list of duties, and duties may change with business needs.

About Pacific Whale Foundation & PacWhale Eco-Tours
About Us:

Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to protecting the ocean through science and advocacy. Since 1980, we have made a significant impact on marine environments and wildlife across the Pacific region, including Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship and promote ocean conservation.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay with potential earnings through commission sales (role dependent)
• Comprehensive benefits including PTO, health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and much more for eligible employees
• Free Eco-Tours and discounted friends & family rates