Director of Development

Summary:  Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will spearhead development efforts as InnerCity Struggle (ICS) continues to grow. This is a new position in the organization and a great opportunity for a seasoned fundraiser and a creative self-starter to take a leadership role in support of ICS’s mission. The Director of Development will create and implement a comprehensive strategic approach that grows ICS’s nearly $3 million annual budget while strengthening the organization’s overall fundraising capacity. The Director of Development will work closely with the organization’s Management Team and the Board of Directors to implement key objectives in the organization’s new Strategic Plan, including Implementing a Major Donor Strategy, Building Capacity for a Membership Structure, Deepening ICS’s Special Event Strategy, and Increasing Board and Staff Capacity to Fundraise.

Candidate Profile:  ICS seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and community-centered professional who seeks to advance equity and justice for Eastside residents by joining a vibrant management team and providing strategic leadership across all areas of development. The ideal candidate possesses a talent for nurturing strong relationships and motivating and inspiring the financial support of diverse value-aligned donors. This will be someone who is well versed in all aspects of fundraising, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship within the context of community-based organizations in Los Angeles. The Director of Development will embrace InnerCity Struggle’s core purpose and vision as described below. 

Essential Job Responsibilities: The essential job activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Development Operations and Leadership 

• Work with the Executive Director to oversee a growing budget of nearly $3 million funded in part by private and public grants including the management and completion of grant proposals, reporting, and deliverables. 
• Build strong relationships with Board Members, program directors, and staff outside of the Development Department and nurture a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the entire organization.
• Supervise and coach the Development Team, including: 2 FT and 1 PTE staff members who facilitate foundation and government grants, funder relations and donations, special events, gift processing, tracking of donor information, acknowledgements, and volunteer recruitment.
• Oversee the deployment of updated development infrastructure including, systems, policies, and procedures to ensure effectiveness and accountability across the department.
• Work with the Finance Team to support fiscal management that anticipates development and volunteer needs within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains the organization in a positive financial position in the areas of fundraising and donor relations.
• Create a plan to expand overall revenue via prospecting, board relationships, and developing meaningful engagement opportunities for donors.
• Develop and assist in the design and distribution of detailed and accurate reports to the Board.

The Development Director will work closely with the organization’s Management Team and the Board of Directors to implement key objectives in the organization’s new Strategic Plan, including: 

• Developing and implementing a major donor strategy. This includes identifying new and existing potential major donors and creating and executing stewardship and solicitation plans.
• Deepening ICS’s special event strategy through oversight and strategy of the annual Adelante Breakfast, virtual dinner gala with a goal of generating over $250K, the end-of-year Winter Appeal, and other fundraising events and campaigns.
• In partnership with the Director Team, build capacity for implementation of a dues-paying membership structure for the organization. 
• Lead efforts to increase board capacity to fundraise by serving as a staff liaison to the ICS Board of Directors Sustainability Committee and support their fundraising and donor cultivation goals in alignment with the organizational Strategic Plan.
• Lead efforts to increase staff capacity to fundraise. This includes maintaining a strong understanding of the organization's programmatic goals and activities and building structures to support staff capacity to understand and support fundraising and reporting needs.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assignment by Executive Director 

Skills and Qualifications

The following qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill, and and/or ability required: 

Education:

• Bachelor Degree from an accredited college and university is required. Master’s degree is a plus. 

Prior Experience:

• Seasoned professional with 7 - 10 years demonstrated experience in direct fundraising experience, with at least 5 years of management or leadership experience in similar settings. 
• Knowledge of social justice, philanthropic landscape highly preferred.
• Passion for and knowledge of issues in: education, housing, early education, and economic justice highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in securing grants, managing a team, and building donor relationships. 

Skills/Proficiencies: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must.
• Independent, self-motivated, highly adaptable, and goal oriented.
• Strong leadership skills that include the ability to motivate, inspire, and guide staff toward the achievement of goals. 
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Office Suite.
• Familiarity with grant management and donor relationship tools and databases.
• Excellent knowledge of prospect research techniques, including utilizing web-based resources. 
• Familiarity with the Los Angeles non-profit landscape, community organizing,  and other education organizations. 
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must have a reliable automobile for use on the job (mileage to be reimbursed). Valid California Driver’s License. State-required automobile insurance coverage.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to communicate with others to exchange information.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary is commensurate with experience.
• Generous benefit package including: PTO/vacation, medical, dental and vision insurance.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references to Brigette Plascencia at brigette@innercitystruggle.org. Include “Director of Development - First & Last Name” in the subject line of your email. For questions about the position, please email Brigette Plascencia. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Three references, with a minimum of one from a former supervisor, will be requested for candidates continuing through the interview process. Interviews will be conducted via ZOOM. Incomplete applications will not be considered. ICS will only contact candidates selected for an interview.