826LA - Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 

ABOUT 826LA

826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. With an annual budget of $2.7M, a staff of 26, an active and engaged board of directors, and roughly 600 active volunteers, we serve thousands of students each year. Our services are structured around our understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

826LA provides free after-school tutoring, evening and weekend workshops, in-school tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student’s power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in their individual voice.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director as a member of the senior leadership team and has responsibility for advancing 826LA’s message and brand with primary focus on fundraising and public engagement. The advancement team engages current and new supporters, increases financial investment in 826LA, and builds an increasingly strong and diverse network of stakeholders. As the chief fundraiser for 826LA, the Director of Development spends considerable time visiting with and stewarding donors, partners, and prospects and representing 826LA publicly in order to secure major and transformational gifts for our work.

The Director of Development is the primary architect of 826LA’s fundraising strategy and vision. With an unshakable belief in the mission and values of 826LA, the Director of Development works with the Executive Director to cultivate and request major contributions and support from individuals. Through an organized and inspirational approach, the Director of Development supports and gives focus to the fundraising efforts of the Board of Directors and leads the advancement team to set and achieve annual and long-range fundraising goals, measuring progress throughout the year to ensure success. The Director of Development collaborates with program staff to support funding needs and priorities, and provides oversight to communications to ensure consistent branding, clear and targeted messaging, and strengthened relationships with supporters.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Develop and oversee the creation and execution of annual development plan to meet organizational goals, currently set at $2.4M.
• Develop and oversee the creation and execution of long-term, strategic development plans.
• Represent advancement at the Senior Leadership level and, together with the Director of Education, Chief of Staff, and Executive Director, ensure integrated and harmonious overall management of 826LA.
• Support the Executive Director with Board development and engagement, including managing the Board Development Committee.
• Analyze results and effectiveness of the development plan in the service of results-driven strategy.

Fund Development

• Oversee the donor pipeline, including all cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• With the Executive Director and Board, grow the individual donor program, estimated to bring in $800,000 this year, and deepen existing relationships that will support the organization in the longer term.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors ($5,000+), including prospecting, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee the creation and management of development events including peer-to-peer fundraisers, the 826LA gala, Changing the Story, and donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Ensure a robust marketing and communications plan consistent with annual and strategic goals while supervising the production and execution of all marketing and promotion for fundraising initiatives.

Staff Development & Leadership

• Coordinate with programming, volunteer, and development teams to create mission- aligned opportunities to showcase students, volunteers, and educators in our events, promotional videos, and other media.
• Directly supervise the Institutional Giving Manager, Development Manager, and the Sr. Communications Manager.
• Participate in monthly 826 network development director and major gifts calls and annual professional development sessions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years’ experience in fund development for a nonprofit organization, preferably in the field of education or arts.
• Proficiency in all aspects of fundraising, including institutional and individual giving, corporate giving, and events.
• Management approach that facilitates interactions across the team that allow for exploration of various perspectives.
• Direct experience cultivating and soliciting donations at the $25,000 level and up.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills to represent 826LA and its values in public-facing opportunities with donors, community members, and partners.
• Collaborative and innovative problem-solving approach.
• Experience with project management best practices.
• Leads productive exchanges to give and receive input.
• Models expectations for an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers, stakeholders and students from all backgrounds thrive.
• Supports a culture of self-reflection and awareness, supporting staff to be comfortable owning their strengths and limitations and identifying ways to improve.
• Proficiency in donor management software for prospect tracking essential, Salesforce preferred.
• Familiarity with donor screening resources such as WealthEngine preferred.
• Knowledge of Google Office Suite preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish, both verbal and written, is preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is an exempt, full-time position. Workdays are Monday through Friday, and the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required is necessary. Benefits include 15 days of vacation for the first 2 years, 20 days after that, time off for most school and federal holidays, participation in 826LA’s health care plan at 100% coverage as well as 50% coverage for family members, a full coverage dental plan, 401K plan with employer match, and life insurance plan.

The annual salary range for this position is $95K-$115K commensurate with experience, with performance-based annual bonus of up to $10K dependent upon the incumbent’s successful attainment of mutually agreed upon fundraising objectives.

Envision Consulting was retained by 826LA to conduct the search for their incoming Director of Development.

826LA prioritizes and incorporates Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion in all facets of the organization. 826LA’s staff reflects the diverse student population the organization serves in terms of race and ethnicity. Applicants of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 826LA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and highly encourages persons of color, LGBTQIA persons, gender non-conforming persons, persons with disabilities, and any other protected groups per local, state, and federal law are encouraged to apply for this position.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.