Donor Communications Specialist

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The California Academy of Sciences offers an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to work with an energetic Advancement team. The Donor Communications Specialist is responsible for providing inclusive storytelling, writing, editing, and content creation support for the Advancement division. This is a full-time position reporting to the Associate Director Donor Experience, Communications. 

The California Academy of Sciences welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. We place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our recruiting efforts and strive to build a culture centered on mutual respect, equal treatment, and the opportunity to succeed.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California.  Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 3 days per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation / Writing / Copyediting (40%)

• Create original, compelling content and communications that inspires, excites, and motivates donors to give and care deeply about the Academy’s mission and work. 


• Write and edit fundraising and donor stewardship materials, including annual reports, printed brochures, event invitations, proposals, and solicitation letters. 


• Support communications for the Academy’s donor travel program, including the writing and editing of emails, printed promotional materials, social media, and website; collaborating with creative, digital, and marketing teams. 


• As a contributing copy editor, maintain a consistent voice across all communications, aligned with the Academy brand and commitment to inclusive storytelling.

Email Marketing (40%) 

• Support email marketing for the Advancement division, including donor events, travel, and fundraising communications. 


• Create, edit, and distribute donor emails and bi-weekly digital newsletters; working within CMS and collaborating with the email marketing team. 


• Prepare donor lists for email marketing efforts. 

Project Management (15%) 

• Manage donor communications calendar for the Advancement division. 


• Collaborate with program managers and spokespeople across the Academy to identify opportunities for growth and stewardship. 

Event Support (5%) 

• Provide occasional staff support for fundraising events, which may fall outside of normal business hours, including Academy Day (April), Big Bang gala (April), and SuperNatural (October). 


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

A qualified candidate will have a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:  

• Minimum 2-3 years’ strong and compelling writing and copyediting experience in a related field (science, the environment, journalism, education, or similar).


• Experience creating and using multimedia content for storytelling (CMS / email / web tools) is preferred.


• Experience managing short and long-term projects and meeting deadlines with high attention to detail.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communications skills in English.


• Proficiency in Google Suite, Word, and Excel.


• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and organizational skills.


• A willingness to request and incorporate feedback and to learn new skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively across a diverse organization, both independently and as part of a team.


• Adept at managing multiple tasks while maintaining flexibility as priorities shift.


• Interest in scientific research and education, and a passion for the Academy’s mission.


• Ability to transport 10 pounds.

Physical Environment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly compensation range for this position is $30.63 - $31.86. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).