Director of Development & Communications

Organization Overview: Build Hope, Inc. (BHI), originally established as Kids Progress Inc. (KPI) in 2002 by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was created to ensure low-income residents living in HACLA’s properties or receiving Section 8 assistance receive the full social, health, educational and work opportunities to which they are entitled. BHI’s mission is to advance economic equity and overall well being of HACLA’s communities.

Since its inception, HACLA has provided in-kind staffing to manage BHI’s operations. Recognizing the need for greater impact and sustainable growth, HACLA has now invested in expanding BHI’s organizational capacity, enabling the nonprofit to build its own dedicated team. This strategic investment aims to provide greater independence, empowering BHI to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the communities it serves. It does this by focusing on four key areas: education, economic mobility, resource resiliency, and service-enriched communities.

BHI serves individuals and families living in public housing, Section 8 and other residential housing units owned or operated by HACLA and is dedicated to improving life outcomes and addressing intergenerational poverty.

While BHI is affiliated with HACLA, it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and functions autonomously. For more information about Build Hope, Inc. please visit www.buildhopeinc.org

Definition: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications will lead all fundraising and communications efforts for BHI, developing and managing a strategy to raise over $2M in new revenue over the next 4 years. As the first person in this role, the Director will establish and oversee the growth and management of a portfolio of philanthropic and government funding partners, while also leading the communications strategy to enhance BHI’s brand and support long-term sustainability. This position will involve personally cultivating and stewarding high-capacity funders and working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Finance and Program teams, and the Board of Directors.

Essential Duties

Fund Development

• Direct and oversee fundraising efforts from diverse sources, including foundation grants, individual donations, special events, campaigns, government contracts, and corporate partnerships.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to establish a pipeline of donor support, building individual giving, foundation and corporate support, and untapped public funding.
• Prepare and submit concept papers, solicitation letters, proposals, budgets, and reports related to fundraising.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, community leaders, and elected officials, to enhance BHI’s visibility and influence.
• Organize and manage donor and community events to cultivate relationships and foster a sense of community among supporters.
• Collaborate with HACLA and other partners on identifying and pursuing joint grant opportunities and coordinate the preparation and submission of required reports to ensure alignment with both organizations' goals and compliance with grant requirements.
• Manage planning and execution of excellently produced site visits for current and prospective funding partners.

Project Management & Development Operations

• Lead the selection, procurement, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising database system to support the organization's development and donor management efforts.
• Document all fundraising-related activities in the database to ensure proper portfolio management, grants management, and institutional knowledge.
• Ensure that all proposals, budgets, reports, and financial documents are timely, accurate, and aligned with organizational strategic priorities and grant obligations.
• Oversee and manage all funder reporting requirements, ensuring goals and expenditures are met. Collaborate with program staff and finance to prepare reports and assist with audit responses to ensure compliance.

Communications & Marketing

• Develop strategic communications to establish BHI as a recognizable brand and resource within the LA community, while collaborating with HACLA on joint communication efforts to ensure consistent messaging and outreach.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plan, integrating development and marketing strategies to maximize BHI’s exposure and fundraising opportunities.
• Oversee the creation, distribution, and maintenance of all print and digital collateral, including newsletters, brochures, annual reports, e-newsletters, and the BHI website. Manage communication platforms and tools used for these materials to ensure effective and streamlined outreach.
• Manage the design and production of donor recognition materials, as well as ongoing updates and funding solicitations via print and email.
• Develop and execute crisis communication strategies to mitigate any negative publicity and manage incidents affecting the organization.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance BHI’s online presence, engage stakeholders, and support fundraising and communication goals.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Database management and proficiency in leveraging it as a primary tool to enhance fundraising and communications efforts
• Sophisticated fundraising and/or CRM database systems
• Database management and proficiency in leveraging it as a primary tool to enhance fundraising and communications efforts
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a deep understanding of social justice issues and a passion for serving marginalized communities

Ability to:

• Collaborate and work effectively with staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other key stakeholders
• Work independently and thriving in creating and implementing new initiatives
• Customize and optimize database functionalities to meet organizational needs.

Skills:

• Writing and communication skills, with a successful track record of conveying program impact to diverse audiences
• Relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with a talent for fostering connections with both internal and external stakeholders

Minimum Requirements

Bachelors Degree or Master’s Degree -AND- 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and/or communications; Experience in government funding and working with underserved communities is preferred; Experience working with HACLA communities is a plus.

Benefits

Although BHI is affiliated with HACLA, it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and offers its own distinct benefits. BHI’s benefits include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement plan benefit
• Hybrid work schedule