Director of Development

Reports to: Chief Impact Officer

Location: Venice, CA, Access Center (Hybrid)
Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Exempt
Driver position: Yes

About Us

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth.

About The Role

The role of the Director of Development (DOD) is responsible for leading SPY’s fundraising department to achieve the organization’s aggressive financial and relational goals. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer (CIO), the DOD works with the organization’s Board of Directors and leadership team to maintain and increase financial support for the organization and helps to shape strategy and tactics as the leader of the Development team. This role encompasses developing, implementing, and evaluating long- and short-term fundraising initiatives that support the renewal and growth of a $5M budget line across individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising.

Responsibilities

• In coordination with the CIO, lead team to develop and execute multi-year strategic fundraising goals and annual work plan, raising $5M yearly in individual, corporate, and foundation funding.
• Oversee a comprehensive database of donors and supporters.
• Collaborate with the CIO, the CEO, the Board, and the development team on the strategy around identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors and prospects.
• Motivate, supervise, evaluate, and mentor the team and create a supportive, collaborative, productive, and healthy work environment based on respect, teamwork, and clear expectations and responsibilities.
• Provide oversight and support to the Senior Grants Manager, including strategy and guidance on grant renewals and prospecting for new funding opportunities.
• Manage a portfolio of high net worth donors and prospects and develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for those donors.
• Manage a growing corporate donor portfolio. Oversee the Senior Manager of Corporate and Community Partnerships and their research, communication, and ongoing stewardship with existing and potential companies.
• Provide strategic direction for SPY’s Volunteer Program and Drop-In Center Meals program managed by the Senior Manager of Corporate and Community Partnerships.
• Lead planning and execution of SPY's annual gala with the Development team and consultants, overseeing event strategy, sponsorship goals, and logistics to maximize revenue and donor engagement.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to align SPY’s communications strategies with brand vision and growth strategies considering audience, message, medium, timing, and ROI.
• Oversee and manage Development team budget aligned with organizational goals.
• Participate in Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) and ensure continuous quality improvement within the department.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the organization.

Requirements

• 7+ years experience in developing fundraising strategies and managing year-round fundraising efforts, ideally for a growth stage organization is required.
• 2+ years of supervision of a diverse team is required.
• Experience securing individual and corporate gifts of six-figures or more with direct, in-person solicitations is strongly preferred.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills to engage with diverse donors and partners.
• Experience with CRM systems, board reports, and donor data analysis (GiveSmart preferred).
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities to convey the organization’s mission and impact.
• A proven track record of creating successful strategic messaging, campaigns, and initiatives that drive corporate objectives and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong organizational skills, an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of the homeless services and nonprofit landscape in Los Angeles or willingness to develop a deep understanding of the social and political climate in Los Angeles.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid California driver's license, and proof of current insurance.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

Special Conditions

• Mandated Reporting Requirements: All SPY employees are ‘mandated reporters’ and are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please contact HR.
• Driver Positions: Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated; employment may be discontinued.

All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. Employees are at-will and may terminate their employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization may change job duties, responsibilities, and assignments at its sole discretion.

Pay

$102,000.00 - $108,000.00 annually

Schedule

Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage
• 403b with agency contribution
• Ample paid time off
• Professional development opportunities tailored to individual career growth