Director of Philanthropy

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Philanthropy to lead our organization's Resource Development and Public Relations efforts. The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting youth success and play a pivotal role in driving our fundraising strategy. This individual will collaborate closely with the CEO and VP of Philanthropy & Marketing to secure our organization’s $7-9 million annual operating budget, enabling us to serve over 3,000 kids and teens across Southern Los Angeles, Watts, Compton, and Venice.

The Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for developing the infrastructure needed to secure substantial gifts, grants, and corporate and foundation support. The successful candidate will have experience building a diverse donor pipeline, managing mid-level donors, and implementing strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation. As a key leader on the Resource Development team, this individual will also coordinate efforts with volunteers, executives, and other stakeholders to expand our funding base and ensure long-term sustainability.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and partner with the Philanthropy Specialist and Grant Writer, overseeing a team of two development professionals.
• Collaborate with the VP of Philanthropy & Marketing to create and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans, covering all aspects of fundraising, including but not limited to annual campaigns, planned giving, endowment campaigns, special events, and fiscal stewardship.
• Partner with the Board of Directors, executive staff, and the Philanthropy Committee to establish a culture of philanthropy, engaging them in donor stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation activities.

Resource Development:

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, cultivating relationships, developing proposals, and conducting solicitations to increase support.
• Identify and engage potential donors with the capacity to increase their contributions to major gift levels.
• Collaborate with executives and key volunteers to facilitate targeted donor engagements, leveraging relationships, program expertise, or specific donor interests.
• Support the VP of Philanthropy in preparing and executing proposals for private and public funding sources, including foundations, corporations, and government grants.

Communications & Public Relations:

• Develop and implement an annual advocacy plan to elevate the organization's profile, establish thought leadership, and build strategic partnerships with community organizations and key stakeholders.
• Increase public awareness of the organization's mission, positioning us as a leader in youth development and afterschool programming among potential funders.

Resource Management:

• Work closely with the finance and accounting team to ensure accurate revenue reporting and cash flow projections for contributed income.
• Maintain donor and financial records in accordance with the American Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE, LICENSURE, AND CERTIFICATION

Required Knowledge & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, public relations, or a related field preferred (equivalent experience may be considered).
• Minimum of five years of relevant fundraising experience, with a proven track record of gift solicitation and donor cultivation.
• Five years or more experience in annual gift solicitation and portfolio management with individual and/or corporate prospects in the non-profit sector.
• A track record of meeting or exceeding portfolio fundraising goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential or equivalent fundraising certification.
• Proficiency in prospect research tools and donor engagement strategies.
• Experience with a database software such as Donor Perfect, Raiser’s Edge, or other CRM software.
• Los Angeles donor base experience preferred.
• Must pass a criminal background check before hire.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage volunteers and donors.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with a small development team and executive leadership.
• High energy and passion for our company’s mission.
• A professional and resourceful style.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
• Expert in Microsoft Office including MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with staff, leadership, board members, and community leaders.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to create compelling donor materials, proposals, and reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to assume other responsibilities as assigned by the VP of Philanthropy & Marketing.

DRIVING, WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles’ sites and schools and various field trip sites as well as in the community is required. Must meet the insurance standards of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles.
• 40 hours/week; Monday – Friday, some evenings required.
• The role includes frequent interruptions via in-person contact, phone calls, and email communications.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  Nothing in this job description restricts the right of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles Management to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job or change this job description at any time.