Job Title: Development and Marketing Director Organization: Operation Freedom Paws Location: San Martin, California

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Executive Director

About Us:

Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) is a California-based non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of veterans, first responders, children, and others suffering from complex trauma and illness by providing carefully-matched service dogs and training them to function as a bonded team. OFP offers a uniquely holistic approach that includes partnering with wraparound providers that benefit clients and their families.

Position Overview:

The Development and Marketing Officer will play a key role in driving the growth and sustainability of OFP by spearheading fundraising initiatives, managing donor relationships, and executing strategic marketing and communications efforts. This position requires a motivated, self-driven individual with a passion for the mission of providing service dogs to those in need. The successful candidate will bring creative ideas to promote awareness, develop donor relations, and raise funds to support our programs and services.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development:

Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet or exceed annual revenue goals, including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donations.

• Grant Writing: Identify grant opportunities, write compelling proposals, and manage the submission and reporting processes for public and private funding sources.
• Donor Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, ensuring they are informed of the impact of their gifts and engaged in the organization's mission.
• Event Planning: Coordinate fundraising events, including galas, auctions, and donor appreciation events. Oversee event logistics, vendor relationships, and promotional
• Database Management: Maintain an accurate donor database, tracking all contributions and donor interactions. Ensure donor recognition is consistent and timely.

Marketing & Communications:

• Brand Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that promotes the organization’s services, raises awareness of its mission, and drives donor support.
• Content Creation: Produce and manage engaging content across all platforms, including social media, email newsletters, blog posts, website updates, and press releases.
• Media Relations: Cultivate relationships with local and national media outlets to generate press coverage and raise awareness of the organization’s mission and programs.
• Digital Marketing: Utilize social media platforms, Google Ads, SEO strategies, and other digital tools to expand the organization’s online presence and engagement with
• Storytelling: Share compelling stories of veterans whose lives have been transformed by the service dogs, creating emotional connections with the community and donors.

Program Support:

• Veteran & Service Dog Awareness: Support the development of educational materials that highlight the positive impact of service dogs on veterans with physical and mental health challenges, including PTSD and mobility impairments.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the organization’s leadership team, trainers, and program staff to stay informed on the organization’s needs, updates, and impact

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: At least 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, or communications, with a proven track record of success in both areas.

·        Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and content creation.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and inspire donors and supporters.
• Familiarity with fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, and donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, Donor Perfect, or similar platforms).
• Experience with social media management and digital marketing tools (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Google Analytics, Canva, Hootsuite, etc.).
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Creative thinker with the ability to develop new approaches to donor engagement and program marketing.
• Must understand OFP’s history, mission, goals and values
• Must be able to communicate same to public and donors
• Be able and willing to represent OFP at public events, and in other context as
• Be willing to partner with other staff in all aspects of OFP’s
• Provide prepared monthly reports evaluating fundraising efforts and Create documentation of accomplishments and future goals.
• Understand restricted and non-restricted
• Passion: A genuine passion for supporting veterans and the mission of providing service dogs to those who have served our country.

If your background and experience doesn’t perfectly meet these qualifications, but you believe you have skills and desire to be a part of OFP’s growing team, please apply.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with
• Paid time off (PTO) and
• Opportunity for professional development and growth within a passionate, mission- driven organization.
• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment focused on making a difference in the lives of veterans.
• 401K (no matching at this time)

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio samples (if applicable) to susan@susanralston.com with the subject line “Development and Marketing Officer Application

- [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.

Operation Freedom Paws is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Operation Freedom Paws

Operation Freedom Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization doing life-saving work. For the veterans, first responders, non-veterans, and children we serve, the human-canine relationships built here are nothing short of a lifeline. Our clients and dogs share a bond like no other, and this relationship opens the door to a better, brighter future. Core Values Integrity:We are genuine and authentic in all that we do. Team:We conquer obstacles through partnership and shared goals. Empathy:We are sensitive to each individual’s emotions and experiences in order to provide a safe environment. Respect:We honor differences without judgment or prejudice. Perseverance:We overcome daily obstacles and barriers to achieve our full potential. Community: We are a collective of individuals with shared goals, achieving a common purpose. Excellence:We exceed expectations in all that we do. Vision Statement Through a special therapeutic canine-human relationship, all veterans and individuals with disabilities live enriched lives and engage in their communities. Mission Statement Operation Freedom Paws empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to restore their freedom to live life.

Connections working at Operation Freedom Paws