Development Manager

Development Manager
Join the Historical Society of Long Beach team!

The Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB) houses an extraordinary archive of over one million items across 3,000 distinct collections, including 150,000 photographic images and invaluable oral histories that capture the voices of Long Beach’s past. We provide public access to these collections while creating original rotating exhibitions and programs that bring history to life.
HSLB serves as both archive and museum, preserving and sharing the rich history of our local community. Our small and ambitious staff works alongside an active board of directors and dedicated volunteers to maintain one of Long Beach’s most comprehensive historical collections. The Development Manager will play a key role in building the support necessary to carry this work forward.
Our programming extends beyond traditional museum offerings with events like our Annual Historical Cemetery Tour, connecting visitors to Long Beach’s heritage in unique and engaging ways. Central to our mission is representing the diverse communities that have shaped Long Beach throughout its history, ensuring all voices and experiences are preserved and celebrated. Through careful stewardship of the past and innovative programming for the present, HSLB serves as a key destination for exploring Long Beach’s multifaceted story.
The selected candidate will work with the Executive Director in designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program to support annual fundraising goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and implement a fundraising plan that includes objectives for individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising and membership development. The plan will include success metrics, identification of staff and board members who will be actively involved in fundraising and definition of roles, and goals for operations and campaigns such as Long Beach Gives, Giving Tuesday, and programs, and exhibitions.
• Manage and personally engage in solicitation and stewardship activities in collaboration with the Executive Director, other staff, and members of the Board.
• Prepare grant requests in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Forecast and manage development related revenue and expenses, oversee budgets and gather financials for funding submissions.
• Support Executive Director to advance Board engagement in fundraising. Includes regular attendance at Board meetings and supporting member-driven fundraising activities. Act as liaison to board committees that support development.
• Retain, recruit, and supervise the Outreach Coordinator with regular performance reviews.
• Orchestrate special events that boost institutional and individual fundraising efforts, including openings, the Crest Circle reception, private gatherings, and events celebrating contributions of donors and marking special HSLB milestones.
• Ensure adherence to grant and restricted giving agreements including reporting.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director in the preparation of annual operating plans and incorporating fundraising projections into the organizational budget.
• Maintain and build strong relationships with funders, donors, and strategic allies in HSLB’s network. Attend First Fridays and community events, lead in-person meetings, and host site visits.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• 2+ years of professional fund development experience is required.
• 5+ years of professional experience.
• BA/BS and/or equivalent experience required.
• Proven track record in soliciting and closing gifts of $1,000 and up.
• Experience supporting Board members and senior staff in portfolio management preferred.
• Demonstrated experience participating in fundraising activities.
• Familiarity of corporate and foundation philanthropy and best practices for relationship management.
• Ability to articulate an organization’s unique value powerfully and succinctly, and adapt the case for support to corporations, private foundations, family foundations, and other philanthropic audiences.
• Must have strong interpersonal communications skills and demonstrate professionalism and warmth when interacting with HSLB’s donor community, board, staff, volunteers, students, and partners.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with thoroughness, accuracy, timeliness, professionalism, and a positive spirit.
• Ability to work with a variety of people including board members, volunteers, public, and staff.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally to meet with donors and prospects.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office required; ability to learn PastPerfect database.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary range is $55,000-$68,640, dependent on experience. This position includes the following benefits: paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick leave. This position requires work on site, and some evening and weekends.

TO APPLY:
Please submit your letter of interest and current resume by email to JulieB@hslb.org by August 22, 2025. Only submissions with letters of interest will be reviewed.

HSLB MISSION AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Historical Society of Long Beach collects, preserves, and presents local history. Through historical collections, exhibitions, and programs we connect people to the past, and to the place they live. We present an inclusive community narrative and help create a greater understanding of our neighborhoods, the city, and its place in the larger world. The HSLB employs a small and mighty staff, is supported by an active board of directors, and a cadre of volunteers. We are committed to exploring the intersecting histories of the different races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and identities who lived in and shaped Long Beach. We represent and promote these diverse voices in two main ways: by gathering the histories of those who have been underrepresented, and by engaging the public through ongoing partnerships and programs that bring Long Beach’s diverse history to light and to life.

Historical Society of Long Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, national origin, disability status, age, or veteran status.

Salary: $55,000-$68,640 annually 

Benefits: This position includes the following benefits: paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick leave.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s Degree

Deadline to apply: August 22, 2025 

Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter 

How to apply: Please submit your letter of interest and current resume by email to JulieB@hslb.org by August 22, 2025. Only submissions with letters of interest will be reviewed.