Senior Director of Development at Big Brother Big Sister of Greater Los Angeles

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles

Senior Director of Development

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA) seeks an accomplished philanthropic leader to serve as the Agency's Senior Director of Development.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA) serves close to 1,500 at-risk children and youth (ages 6-22) annually with aspirations to materially grow our footprint, while continuing to lead the Big Brothers Big Sisters national network in metrics that measure the quality and effectiveness of our work. Over the next twenty-five years, BBBSLA intends to improve the lives of a significant proportion of our county's at-risk youth and become a potent force for a positive transformation of Los Angeles' most challenging neighborhoods and schools.

BBBSLA manages a professional staff of 35-40 and an annual budget of approximately $4.5-$5M. 40 influential community leaders serve on the governing Board of Directors or as Trustees.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Senior Director of Development serves as BBBSLA's chief fundraising official and will be a builder and change-agent. The Senior Director of Development is responsible for the management, expansion and evaluation of all fundraising initiatives, with an emphasis on creating and executing a comprehensive fund development plan to strengthen and grow revenue and relationships. The Senior Director of Development will lead, direct, and manage a Fund Development and Communications Team of five full-time staff members and two to three consultants, with a collective goal to significantly increase revenue through Individual & Major Gifts, Institutional Giving (Foundation and Government), Corporate Partnerships, Special Events, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising, Campaign Planning, and Innovative Opportunities.

The ideal Senior Director of Development will be an inspiring, visionary leader with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a track record of accomplishing measurable goals. They should be mission focused, driven, organized and resilient. Maintaining a collaborative and ethical work environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining highly competent employees is a must. Cultivation and management of relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, honorees, prospects, vendors and community members is equally as important. The candidate will display a strong sense of urgency to enhance and improve the fund development systems and structure resulting in significant increases in revenue and market visibility.

The Senior Director of Development will serve as a member of BBBSLA's Leadership Team and will work in partnership with Board members, Trustees, donors, partners, volunteers, community groups, peers across the federation, and their team to achieve departmental and Agency goals, while maintaining organizational values and standards of excellence. This role is highly visible, both internally with the Agency's staff and governing Board and externally as a business representative of the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The activities and responsibilities described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the core functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Senior Director of Development's priorities are to provide appropriate leadership and results with reference to the following key areas:

Strategic Planning and Implementation of Fund Development Initiatives:

• Create and implement a strategic fundraising plan, focusing on implementing industry "best practices" in processes, metrics and execution to significantly increase levels of sustainable, diversified fundraising dollars.
• Investigate and review nonprofit trends to increase revenue and efficiency of department.
• Develop and annually refine BBBSLA's Case for Philanthropic Support.
• Participate in organization wide strategic planning, with a focus on the identification and assessment of fundraising priorities and the execution of relevant campaigns, projects, and initiatives. Current Strategic Plan initiatives include increasing partnerships with companies, organizations and communities; creating a strategic development plan around major gifts and corporate gifts; and launching a comprehensive campaign to celebrate BBBSLA's 70th Anniversary in 2025.
• In collaboration with the external finance team, prepare and monitor the Fund Development Department budget. Maintain appropriate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and documentation to ensure accurate forecasting and reporting. Maintain pristine records for all incoming revenue, as well as prospects.
• Construct annual plans, timelines, performance benchmarks, and progress reports to guide development activities, achievements, and emerging opportunities
• Collaborate with President/CEO to coordinate compliance reporting and related requirements from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America national office as requested.
• Recruit and manage executive volunteer committees for all Special Events, along with special initiatives and campaigns as determined necessary.
• Engage current and former Bigs in revenue generating activities, connecting them to the agency for long-term involvement and impact outside of their service as a mentor.
• Account for Fund Development Department performance. Monitor operational effectiveness using workflow and tracking systems (i.e. Salesforce); develop and gather accurate information for reports; track performance & develop measures to ensure growth; analyze trends; problem solve issues; minimize risk; ensure BBBSLA's fundraising initiatives have a high likelihood of success; develop gap planning strategies (if necessary), and ultimately, meet annual agency revenue goals.
• Surface "best practices" that can be integrated into nationwide models for replication and investments. Represent BBBSLA at regional and national levels through work groups, affinity groups, presentations and partnerships.

Revenue Generation:

• Achieve fundraising goals across all revenue categories, included but not limited to: Individual & Major Gifts, Institutional Giving (Foundation and Government), Corporate Partnerships, Special Events, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising, Campaign Planning, and Innovative Opportunities. FY24-25 Goal = ~$3.3 million, and moderate to significant growth is expected in subsequent years.
• Provide direction to Special Events staff, consultants, and committees, ensuring exceptional planning, execution, and evaluation of all events according to best practices and timelines. Direct participation in event execution and revenue generation will include:
  • Identification, recruitment, stewardship and fundraising planning of event honorees in conjunction with "host committees", as well as executive decision making on strategy and logistics.
  • Identification and implementation of new event-based fundraising opportunities.
  • Creation of general and event-specific corporate sponsorship materials, along with general and personalized opportunities for support.
• Conceptualize and carry out detailed campaigns and events aimed at increasing donor engagement and participation.
• Provide leadership for continued stewardship and solicitation of existing partners, and oversee research on local corporations and their giving history to identify potential opportunities for new partners.
  • Plan, develop, direct and execute a strategy to attract corporate and organizational support aligned with Agency priorities and initiatives.
  • Prepare and present partnership proposals.
  • Maintain high quality, high touch, high impact relationships with donors, partners, honorees, prospects and supporters.
• Drive fundraising opportunities connected to the entertainment industry, including but not limited to partnerships, individual giving, experiential donations, in kind donations, employee engagement opportunities, event honoree recruitment, and stewardship of past and current Women In Entertainment Mentorship Program participants.
• Conceptualize, develop, and implement new and innovative fundraising opportunities.

Staff, Board and Agency Leadership & Development

• Supervise direct reports and serve as the liaison to external consultants, as follows:
  • Associate Director of Special Events
    • External Event Planning Consultant(s)
  • Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships
  • Philanthropy Manager
    
    • External Grant Writer(s)
  • Marketing Manager
  • Development Coordinator
• Hire, engage, develop, and hold staff accountable to work efficiently and effectively and to achieve individual and team goals while complying with local polices, national standards of practice, and best practices of nonprofit fundraising.
• Define measurable goals and objectives, and motivate Fund Development Team to achieve and exceed annual revenue targets.
• Reinforce a culture of empowerment and accountability that enables team members to perform at their best, while facilitating opportunities for all staff's professional development and growth. Establish and ensure a system and culture of continuous staff learning, development and succession planning.
• Develop strong working relationships with members of the Board of Directors and Trustees.
• Serve as staff liaison for Board Fund Development Committee. Plan agendas in partnership with Fund Development Committee Chair, attend meetings, conduct follow-up in a timely manner, and partner with Fund Development Committee to increase the fundraising impact of BBBSLA's Board of Directors.
• Develop individual "Impact Plans" with each Board member annually and follow-up consistently to ensure they maximize their personal and influenced impact.
• Serve as a contributing member of the BBBSLA's Leadership Team, providing strategic Agency direction and collaboration beyond the Fund Development Department.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Programs to facilitate cohesion between the Fund Development and Program Departments to ensure an on-going supply of resources to support agency programs and opportunities for volunteers to engage.
• Establish a Culture of Philanthropy across the organization.
• Cultivate the values of integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, safety, and continuous quality improvement within the organization.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The Senior Director of Development should have the following experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 6-10+ years of substantial work experience in Fund Development roles at non-profit organizations, with growing responsibilities and achievements. Transferable skills such as sales, business management or broad business management will be considered when coupled with significant nonprofit volunteer experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience to effectively supervise, mentor, hold accountable and inspire a five member team of collaborative, motivated development professionals (at minimum 3-5 years of proven leadership & management experience).
• Knowledge of effective fundraising strategies and trends.
• Ability to develop/maintain effective partnerships with community constituents, corporate executives, nonprofit groups, and individuals. A natural ability to build and maintain genuine relationships.
• Experience assisting or setting strategic direction for a department and organization.
• Ability to track and analyze success metrics, and change course when needed to successfully meet defined targets.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the Fund Development plan.
• Understanding of IRS regulations regarding nonprofits; proficiency in intermediate financial analysis and related business skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High level of organization and exceptional time management skills.
• Must demonstrate advanced computer literacy with CRM based management systems (Salesforce preferred) and MS Office programs.

IDEAL PERSONAL TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

A successful candidate should be:

• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to transforming the lives of at risk children and youth for the better;
• Willing and able to work with diverse populations in regards to age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexuality and socio-economic background;
• A leader whom the team seeks for expertise and breadth of experience; a champion for change and innovation with the sensitivity and ability to negotiate or ameliorate fears or limitations;
• A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan; a decision maker able to make decisions that improve efficiency and benefit the overall functioning of the team;
• Intrepid yet tactful; determined yet respectful of others' concerns; someone with the flexibility and creativity needed to find alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise; a skilled negotiator who does not drive self or others into a corner;
• A team builder; confident and competent with strong skills in management and communication; one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a diverse group of personalities with different work styles;
• A professional who demonstrates integrity, discretion, judgment, maturity, and flexibility to represent BBBSLA in diverse forums and organizational relationships;
• A hard worker with a high energy level; a proactive "doer" with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of process and activities;
• A well-organized individual with concern for details, accuracy, and deadlines, and the ability to set realistic goals and objectives, and balance multiple priorities;
• Reflective, with strong conceptual, critical, and creative thinking abilities;
• Creative and innovative;
• An excellent communicator with stellar written and oral communication and presentation skills;
• A self-motivated learner committed to professional development for the team and the organization;
• Willing to travel locally, nationally, as needed;
• Emotionally mature with a sense of humor.

COMPETENCIES:

Customer/Client Focus-Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of fellow staff, volunteers, children, parents and agency partners; talks and acts with them in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationship with customers/clients and gains their trust and respect; views her/his role as adding value to the experience of volunteers and children in their match relationship; builds parental support for the match; deals effectively with diversity; demonstrates high degree of flexibility and adaptability.

Listening-Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out, can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she/they disagrees; understands child safety issues and is vigilant in recognizing signs of problems.

Interpersonal Savvy-Relates well to all kinds of people; builds appropriate rapport; listens carefully to all points of view builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; capable of diffusing difficult situations comfortably; doesn't show frustration. Ability to mediate and create middle ground understanding.

Approachability-Is easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra efforts to put others at ease; can be warm, pleasant and gracious; is sensitive to and patient with the needs and interests of others; builds rapport well; is a good listener.

Priority Setting-Spends her/her/their time and the time of others on what' s important; quickly zeros in on the critical few and puts the trivial many aside; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal; eliminates roadblocks; creates focus.

Commitment to Task - Willing and able to pursue goals with commitment and to take pride in accomplishment. Willing and able to take action to achieve goals and strives to exceed goals.

Results/Outcome Oriented - Is motivated by results; can be counted on to meet and exceed goals successfully; bottom-line oriented; pushes self for results; sets clear objectives and measures; monitors process and progress.

Organizing-Marshals resources to get things done; orchestrates multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently, identifies informal and incomplete information in time to do something about it.

Commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) - A deep commitment to fostering a safe, equitable, inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and justice is ensured for all. A commitment to JEDI expands beyond staff and internal operations to our matches, parents/guardians, community partners, constituents, and community in general.

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Physical Demands: The physical demands 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend and drive. Job requires frequent verbal and computer communication. Computer, telephone and fax use are required.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Working Location: Location is based on a percentage of where work time is spent. Indoors - 70%. Travel (local) - 30%: job requires local travel to communities, corporations, institutions and individuals. Occasional out-of-state travel to applicable approved conferences. Currently, BBBSLA is operating on a hybrid work schedule, with employees selecting 2+ days per week to work in one of our office locations (Koreatown, Lakewood, Northridge), with the opportunity to work remotely up to 3 days per week.

Equal Employment Opportunity: BBBSLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Compensation, Hours, and Benefits: Exempt, full-time position (approximately 40 hours / week) with a starting annual salary in the range of $100,000 - $120,000 DOE. Typical work schedule includes weekday and some weekend work, depending on activities and engagements. Benefits include 24 days paid PTO, 14 paid holidays, comprehensive health plans covering 100% of the employee cost of medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as STD, LTD, life insurance and an employee assistance program. Optional pet insurance, critical care, and flexible spending accounts. Eligible for 403(b) retirement plan(s) immediately, with salary matching benefits (up to 4% of salary) after one year of service.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Employer