Chief Development Officer

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to step into a defining executive leadership role at one of Los Angeles's most beloved civic and cultural institutions at a moment of remarkable momentum, historic significance, and transformative potential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year philanthropic strategy across all revenue categories and donor audiences.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Centennial Celebration and Campaign—driving toward the initial $10 million goal and positioning LFLA for the next phase of major fundraising, including early thinking around a future comprehensive campaign and endowment development.
• Serve as a primary thought partner to the President and CEO and the Board of Directors on all aspects of philanthropic positioning, donor strategy, and revenue growth.
• Help shape LFLA's strategic roadmap following LAPL's new strategic plan—contributing a philanthropic lens to long-term organizational planning in partnership with the board and staff.
• Leverage LFLA’s own cultural programming (ALOUD public programming series, including Night at the Library, and gallery exhibitions) to help raise awareness, tap new partners, and broaden reach.
• Champion a culture of philanthropy, urgency, and bold aspiration throughout the organization and among staff, board, volunteers, and LAPL partners.
• Identify and develop new philanthropic initiatives aligned with emerging priorities and the central role our public libraries can play in addressing the evolving needs of LA communities.
• Support the Board of Directors: preparing, coaching, and activating board members as effective fundraising ambassadors.
• Manage up skillfully, briefing, equipping, and inspiring board leadership for donor conversations and asks and supporting their recruitment efforts.
• Engage the Board's Development Committee as a high-performing body with clear goals and meaningful accountability.
• Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with board members, LAPL leadership, and key institutional stakeholders.
• Leverage the Council of 400+ volunteer ambassadors as a strategic fundraising and community engagement asset, activating their networks and relationships in service of the mission.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team, setting a tone of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Ensure a team culture of philanthropy defined by trust, openness, and a genuine commitment to the mission.
• Champion rigorous donor data practices, moves management systems, and portfolio management protocols across the development team.
• Implement best-practice tools and strategies to ensure donors receive consistent, personalized, and meaningful stewardship at every stage of their relationship with LFLA.

Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of progressively senior, donor-facing development experience across major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, special events, membership and annual giving, and planned or endowment giving.

Previous experience in a senior executive position—Chief Philanthropy Officer, Chief Development Officer, VP of Development, or equivalent— with organization-wide responsibility for funder relations and development.

Experience in fundraising for a public library or similar institution.

Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Experience with donor data management and CRM systems.

Knowledge of nonprofit governance and compliance requirements.