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A mission-focused portfolio in which all Conservancy facilities, programs, and partnerships belong and
clearly benefit the Conservancy’s mission and goals is the second vision. The Conservancy plans to conduct
a thorough audit of every Conservancy facility, partnership, business, and program and ensure that, taking
nothing for granted, each is set up in the short- and long-term best interests of the Conservancy.
A third vision is for the residents of Catalina Island, Los Angeles County, Southern California, and beyond
to see the Conservancy as a premier recreation and learning destination, a model for balanced land
conservation solutions, and an example of how to build successful cultural partnerships. The Conservancy
will study who its key audiences are now, resolve who they want them to be, build clearly defined and
messaged offerings to attract and satisfy those audiences, and engage in a long-term evaluation of how
their needs are met, while prioritizing solutions that benefit the residents of Catalina Island as a whole.
The Conservancy also aims to be an action-oriented, collaborative, and successful team of leaders, staff,
board, volunteers, and auxiliary groups where individuals feel supported and respected. This will be
accomplished by investing in a healthy team, all-around staff recruitment and housing solutions,
implementing clear decision-making procedures, enacting the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and
Inclusion (DEAI) plan, and evolving the membership of board, volunteers, and auxiliary groups to meet
current needs and be representative of the Conservancy’s audience.
A strong reputation for delivering on its mission and a popular investment option for philanthropists and
partners interested in achieving large-scale conservation solutions is the final vision of the Conservancy’s
strategic plan. To achieve this, the Conservancy will increase the number of times key decision-makers
see its name, understand its mission, hear of its conservation, recreation, and educational
accomplishments, and learn of major philanthropic investments.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Senior Major Gifts Officer will report to the Director of Development.
FROM THE CHIEF OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
With nearly 30 years of experience in fundraising and campaigns, my role at the Conservancy has reignited
my passion for mission and the delight in creative storytelling to advance strategic priorities with
philanthropy. Growing up in Lake Tahoe, I came to embrace nature and the great outdoors—recreating
and protecting in equal measure. The arc of my career has been in environmental preservation, cultural
heritage and museums, art and design, and conservation, working nationally and internationally for great
causes and movements. I now have the opportunity to work on the ground—up close and in person—with
amazing colleagues, generous donors, collaborative stakeholders, visiting scholars, scientists, and
volunteers to restore Catalina Island for future generations. I am honored and humbled to be a part of the
Catalina Island Conservancy at this dynamic moment in its long, distinguished history, in my native state
of California, and working at the intersections of conservation, education, and recreation.
Catalina Island Conservancy is making it possible for the Island’s plant and animal habitat be conserved
and return to a thriving ecosystem. We’re also improving the recreational experience through trail and
campground enhancements. We are proud to make it possible for increased access and affordability to the
Island for underserved children and families. It’s an exciting and important time to join the organization.
As Teddy Roosevelt said so well, “It is hard work, worth doing." I invite you to join me in this hard but
meaningful and rewarding work.
—Kirsten Peterson Johansen, Chief of External Affairs