Development Director

Summary: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will spearhead development efforts InnerCity Struggle (ICS) continues to grow. This is a new position and a great opportunity for a seasoned fundraiser and a creative self-starter to take a leadership role in support of ICS’s mission. The Development Director will create and implement a comprehensive strategic approach that grows ICS’s nearly $5 million annual budget while strengthening the organization’s overall fundraising capacity and expected growth by 15-20% in the next three years. The Development Director will work closely with the Management Team and the Board of Directors to implement key objectives in the strategic plan, including Implementing a major donor strategy, building capacity for a membership structure, deepening ICS’s special event strategy, and increasing board and staff capacity to fundraise.

Candidate Profile: ICS seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and community-centered professional who seeks to advance equity and justice for Eastside residents by joining a vibrant management team and providing strategic leadership across all areas of development. The ideal candidate possesses a talent for nurturing strong relationships and motivating and inspiring the financial

support of diverse value-aligned donors. This person is well versed in all aspects of fundraising, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship within the context of

community-based organizations in LA. The Development Director will embrace ICS’s core purpose and vision as described below.

Key Job Responsibilities: 

Fundraising Leadership, Strategy & Operations

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and execute ICS’s fundraising strategy to meet or exceed annual and three-year goals, including developing an annual fundraising plan
• Lead, supervise and mentor the development team including a grant writer and development coordinator to meet or exceed department goals, as well as lead efforts to increase all staff capacity to fundraise
• As a senior level director, participate in the collective management team and nurture a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the entire organization
• Collaborate with and ensure strong communication with the finance, administrative and executive director, as well as with campaign or component leads to ensure grant deliverables are met
• Oversee, strengthen, and support the implementation of development department systems, policies and procedures to ensure effectiveness and accountability, including all aspects of the grants management system (ie. grant writing, reporting, prospecting and stewardship)
• Serve as an ambassador for and represent ICS at various events and engagement opportunities, which may include evenings and weekends
• Collaborate with communications staff to maintain website and social media platforms as a strategic communication and fundraising tool.
• Lead Development meetings to engage in planning, design, and implementation of fundraising and donor stewardship 

Donor Relations and Fundraising Events

• Oversee ICS’s fundraising events including the planning, execution and follow-up for all special events 
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate donors including individual giving, major gifts, donor circles, and execute stewardship and solicitation plans
• Expand ICS’s event strategy, fundraising campaigns and appeals
• Build capacity for implementation of a dues-paying membership structure 
• Oversee donor database management, gift processing, acknowledgements and recognition
• Ensure accurate and timely donor communications and reporting

Board Relations

• Lead efforts to increase board capacity to fundraise by serving as a staff liaison to the ICS Board of Directors Sustainability Committee and supporting board member fundraising and donor cultivation goals 
• Develop tools, processes and reporting to help board members fulfill fundraising goals and broaden ICS’s network

Skills and Qualifications

The following qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill, and and/or ability required: 

• Education: Bachelor Degree from an accredited college and university is required. Master’s degree is a plus. 
• Prior Experience: 
• Seasoned professional with 7+ years of demonstrated experience in direct fundraising, with at least 5 years of management or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of social justice philanthropic landscape highly preferred. 
• Passion for and knowledge of issues in education, housing, early education, and economic justice highly preferred. 
• Demonstrated success in securing grants, managing a team, and building donor relationships. 
• Skills/Proficiencies:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must. 
• Independent, self-motivated, highly adaptable, and goal oriented. 
• Strong leadership skills that include the ability to motivate, inspire, and guide staff toward the achievement of goals. 
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Office Suite. 
• Familiarity with grant management and donor relationship tools and databases.
• Excellent knowledge of prospect research techniques, including utilizing web-based resources. 
• Familiarity with the Los Angeles non-profit landscape, community organizing, and other education organizations.
•  Available to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.
•  Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred. 
• Special Requirements: 
• Must have a reliable automobile for use on the job (mileage to be reimbursed). Valid California Driver’s License. State-required automobile insurance coverage. 
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Vaccine Requirement for all employees. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccine, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

ABOUT US: ICS is a transformational and intergenerational movement that builds community power to advance justice, life opportunities, and dignity in the Eastside of Los Angeles. Our vision is for the Eastside of Los Angeles to be a thriving, multigenerational, and civically engaged community that ensures racial justice, a quality education, an equitable economy, and a healthy built environment for residents most impacted by systemic injustices. ICS organizes youth and families in Boyle Heights, unincorporated East Los Angeles, City Terrace, El Sereno, and Lincoln Heights.  

ICS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We strongly encourage women, people of color,

LGBTQ people, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Please submit an application consisting of the following 1) cover letter addressing the application questions below, 2) resume, and 3) a grant writing sample to hr@innercitystruggle.org.  Include “Development Director Position- First & Last Name” in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to applications submitted prior to July 30.  Three references, with a minimum of one from a former supervisor, will be requested for candidates continuing through the interview process. Incomplete applications will not be considered. ICS will only contact candidates selected for an interview.

Application Questions:

1. What resonates with you personally about ICS’ mission to build a powerful and influential

movement of youth and families on the Eastside of Los Angeles to promote healthy, safe and nonviolent communities.

1. Please share a few sentences about your experience in fundraising, including what kind of impact you have made on individuals and organizations through your work.
2. Describe your biggest fundraising success and any lessons learned.
3. Briefly describe your approach to launching a major donor campaign.

ICS will conduct three (3) rounds of interviews, consisting of a 30-minute phone interview, in person interview with the hiring committee members, and a final in-person interview with the executive director.