Head of Philanthropy and Grants

About Us

Coral Gardeners is a dynamic global movement founded by passionate surfers and freedivers in Mo’orea, French Polynesia, to restore coral reefs and protect ocean ecosystems. Since 2017, we've grown into an international collective, empowering local communities and driving innovative solutions to save coral reefs. With over 100,000 corals planted and millions engaged globally, we are committed to scaling our efforts to plant one million corals and ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.

Position Overview

Coral Gardeners is looking for an experienced Head of Philanthropy and Grants to lead our fundraising strategy and drive philanthropic income for our coral restoration projects. Working closely with the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and CEO, you will manage a portfolio of major donors and foundations to secure high-value donations and grants. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape our funding strategy, grow our donor base, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to increase funding from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
• Donor & Grants Management: Build and manage relationships with donors to grow the network of supporters and secure long-term support. This includes regular communications with donors, organizing donor visits, and fundraising events.
• Proposal Development & Reporting: Develop compelling grant proposals and write tailored reports.
• Research & Pipeline Management: Oversee donor research, build a strong pipeline, and stay informed on trends in philanthropy and marine conservation funding.
• Team Management: Work closely with the Philanthropy Assistant to ensure high-quality and timely execution of work.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a senior-level philanthropy role, with a proven track record in securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Connections & Networks: Solid connections and networks within the philanthropy and conservation sectors are essential for building long-term partnerships.
• Agility: Ability to navigate an organization experiencing hyper-growth, demonstrating adaptability and agility.
• Skills: Expertise in donor acquisition and stewardship, grant proposal and report writing, and using CRM tools. Strong and tactful communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Passion: A genuine commitment to marine conservation, coral restoration, and environmental sustainability.
• Personal Attributes: Self-starter, results-oriented, and comfortable working collaboratively in a high-paced and dynamic work environment.

Additional Information

This position will work closely with the founder and leadership team, collaborating with senior staff to ensure the organization's growth and impact. Eventually, this role will report to the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) as the philanthropy function continues to evolve.

Why Coral Gardeners?

This is a rare opportunity to make a direct impact on global marine conservation efforts. Join a passionate, innovative team and help us drive the future of coral restoration. Together, we can make a lasting difference for the world’s oceans.

Want to learn more about us and our mission?

Check out our website to discover how we're revolutionizing coral reef restoration and driving global ocean conservation.