Note: A cover letter and resume are required for consideration. Please upload cover letter and resume; only applications with both a resume and cover letter will be reviewed.
Organization Summary
The LA Conservation Corps (the Corps) is a private, non-profit organization that has been helping at-risk young people develop themselves since 1986. To date, more than 25,000 young people have participated in the Corps’ classes and service projects, learning new skills while contributing to the quality of life for all of us in the greater Los Angeles area.
Mission
We create equitable opportunities for young people to build resilience in themselves, their communities and the environment through a program of work, education and support.
Position Summary
The Development & Communications Director is a key contributor to the Corps’ success and sustainability. The Corps currently raises approximately $1.5M annually in philanthropic funds and receives between $5-10M in government grants that the Development Department assists in securing. The Director is responsible for establishing new and maintaining current fund development resources to sustain and grow the organization. The ideal Director will develop strategies and approaches to effectively increase unrestricted funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations; oversee fundraising special events; and manage all marketing and public relations efforts.
This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works in partnership with senior leadership. The Development & Communications Director supervises the Sr. Grant Writer, Events & Corporate Engagement Manager, and Development & Communications Coordinator.
Essential Functions
Development & Communications Team Leadership
- In partnership with the CEO, establishes revenue goals and develops comprehensive strategies to increase fundraising of both unrestricted and targeted program donations for the organization.
- Designs and leads the implementation of annual and long-term Development & Marketing Plans to secure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Creates and manages departmental and event budgets.
- Supervises staff responsible for Salesforce (donor database) and oversees data management to ensure effective donor stewardship and data integrity over time.
Donor Stewardship & Event Management
- Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards current and prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors to build visibility, impact, and financial resources for the Corps, with a key focus on a portfolio of individuals capable of making gifts of $1,000+.
- Develops creative strategies to expand donor pool and strengthen donor retention.
- Supports the CEO and Board Members in the management of their donor/prospect portfolios, as well as the stewardship of other external relationships, including public officials, community partners, and volunteers.
- Oversees the design and production of all special events – in-person and virtual – ensuring that goals for fundraising, attendance, marketing, and programming are met and kept within budget, including the Corps’ signature 500-person Annual Luncheon.
- Oversees implementation of corporate engagement strategy, including service projects with corporate partners and other stakeholders, with an eye to continued stewardship.
Marketing & Communications
- Establishes vision and goals for annual communications calendar and oversees development of key messages to inform fundraising appeals (mail, email, and online), public relations, social media, website, and other communications that will engage and retain external partners.
- Writes, edits, and/or gathers content for donor outreach, marketing collateral, special reports, speeches, and presentations.
- Researches, cultivates, and executes unique cause marketing opportunities.
- Works with staff and Corpsmembers to generate content that creates authentic donor connections and supports employee and Corpsmember pride and morale.
Organizational Strategy & Leadership
- Works with the CEO, Members of the Executive Management Team and Board of Directors to assess institutional needs and priorities in the areas of fundraising and communications.
- Serves as a public face and spokesperson of the Corps in the community and to the media; attends Corps and community functions, including annual fundraising events and other events and meetings.
- Acts as a liaison to the Development & Marketing Committees of the Board.
- Assists Board Members and other key volunteers to fulfill their development and communications-related responsibilities.
Grants Management
- Oversees the grants management program, led by the Sr. Grant Writer in partnership with the Deputy Director of Operations and Program Directors, ensuring applications and reports for unrestricted and restricted program grants are submitted on time and meet all necessary requirements.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
Please note that this job announcement is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and/or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time and without notice.
Due to the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, your essential functions and responsibilities may change to accommodate the needs of the program and to stay in compliance with CDC and County of LA Public Health Department requirements.
