Organization Summary

The LA Conservation Corps (the Corps) is a private, non-profit organization that has been helping at-risk young people develop themselves since 1986. To date, more than 20,000 young people have participated in the Corps classes and service projects, learning new skills while contributing to the quality of life for all of us in the greater Los Angeles area.

Mission
The primary mission of the LA Conservation Corps is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success through job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Development Director is a key contributor to the organization’s success and sustainability by contributing to the accomplishment of the organization’s mission, business goals and vision by establishing new and maintaining current development resources that will identify and cultivate funding to grow and sustain the organization. This position provides administrative guidance and development and communications/branding support for the entire organization, which includes Conservation Programs, Education, Corpsmember Development and Administration. The primary responsibility of the Chief Development Officer is to increase private revenue from individuals, corporations and foundations and manage fundraising special events; s/he develops the Corps’ Marketing strategy and oversees the Corps’ public relations efforts. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and, as a member of the Executive Management Team, works in partnership with senior leadership on all fundraising, development, marketing and public relations activities. The Chief Development Officer currently supervises a Sr. Grant Writer and two (2) Development Coordinators.

Essential Functions

• As a Member of the Executive Management Team, participates in Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings, collaborates in developing the vision for the future, actively participates in strategic planning while speaking through the lens of a Development and Marketing expert, represents the views/concerns of varying segments of the Corps’ employee population and develops consensus at the top level of organization decision making.
• Develops comprehensive strategies to increase private philanthropy and fundraising for unrestricted donations for the organization as well as for donations that will fund the supportive services and education provided to program participants and other restricted projects
• Works with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors and Executive Management Team to assess institutional needs and priorities in the areas of fundraising and marketing. Staff the Development & Marketing Committee of the Board.
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards individual, foundation and corporate potential donors capable of giving $10,000 and more over time. Leads the Board in cultivation and solicitation activities.
• Collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Director of Operations, Corps Directors and program staff to develop projects, identifies resources and partnerships to support them, and creates messaging and talking points around them.
• Oversees Sr. Grant Writer collaborations with Deputy Director of Operations and Corps Directors on government grant writing.
• Responsible for establishing revenue goals, acquiring new sources of funding and conducting face-to-face meetings.
• Creates and oversees departmental and event budgets.
• Organizes donor campaigns and service projects with corporate partners and other stakeholders with the aim of developing a stewardship program that will create deeper ties with donors including volunteer recruitment for special projects
• Plans and designs year-end and other annual email and social media appeals.
• Responsible for developing and executing annual Development & Marketing Plans.
• Collaborates with individual Board Members to meet personal give/get goals occasionally planning and executing special events and campaigns.
• Researches, cultivates and executes unique cause marketing opportunities.
• Collaborates with other Corps through the California Association of Local Conservation Corps and The Corps Network to advance mutually beneficial fundraising and communications goals.
• Leads the planning and implementation of all special events – in-person and virtual - , ensuring that goals for fundraising, attendance, marketing and program are met and kept within budget.

• Research grants and oversees the preparation and writing of the proposals.

• Writes grant proposals, applications and letters to corporate, foundation and government funders, as needed.
• Works with donors on communication and recognition strategies and requirements.
• Adheres to compliance with all legal requirements pertaining to gift acceptance and reporting as well as best practices in fundraising and marketing.
• Develops the protocol for data management in Salesforce (donor database) that ensures data integrity over time.
• Supervises staff responsible for donor database to effectively monitor prospect relations, track all donations, ensure accurate gift valuation and accounting, and acknowledge all contributions on a timely basis.
• Establishes vision and goals for annual communications calendar.
• Manages all digital assets including social media, email listservs, website, etc. and physical branding including site signage.
• Writes, edits and/or gathers content for regular email newsletters, social media posts, annual reports, marketing collateral, website and special reports.
• Pursues opportunities for Corps recognition through awards, cross promotion and inclusion in public events.
• Creates and manages unique marketing campaigns to support recruitment, retention.
• Manages requests for use of brand assets
• Maintains brand integrity on all public and internal marketing and communications
• Establishes Corps’ storytelling principles and fundraising ethics. Works with staff and Corpsmembers to generate content that creates authentic donor connections and supports employee and Corpsmember pride and morale.
• Manages and coordinates media appearances.
• Speech writing and presentation development for senior leadership team when needed.
• Crisis communications including collaborating with CEO and Administrative Officer on internal and external messaging.
• Works with Corpsmembers and staff to prepare for public appearances
• Research in-kind funding resources and establishes and stewards new partnerships.
• Supervises development & marketing staff and facilitates their professional development in line with Corps values and opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Corps’ provides a great work environment that includes a hybrid work schedule, great work-life balance, top-tier benefits, and an excellent vacation package.

Please note that this job announcement is not designed to cover or contact a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and/or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time and without notice.

Due to the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, your essential functions and responsibilities may change to accommodate the needs of the program and to stay in compliance with CDC and County of LA Public Health Department requirements.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills characterized by identifying, assimilating and comprehending the critical elements of various situations, and extracting and interpreting the implications of courses of action.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written) characterized by actively listening and ensuring respectful two-way communication.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding and the ability to effectively interact with individuals (internal and external) from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, disability and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate strong time management skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrate a high level of accountability, responsibility and dependability.
• Demonstrate teamwork through cooperation and collaboration with others.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, self-discipline and self-awareness.
• Ability to prepare concise, logical and grammatically correct documents, reports and presentations.
• Ability to accept, direct and perform responsibilities and assigned tasks as a project team member in support of the overall project.
• Ability to explain policies, procedures and directions and represent the Corps’ philosophy and values to a wide range of audiences including corpsmembers, programmatic staff, management and the public.
• Ability to structure tasks, establish priorities and set goals.
• Ability to effectively perform the physical requirements of the job, as well as train others.
• Ability to effectively provide presentations, work demonstrations and instruction to others to promote and establish a culture of safety.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently.
• Intermediate level of computer skills (Microsoft Office environment) including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Blackbaud software and Internet research; responsibilities may include use of WordPress and Microsoft Project.
• High level of interpersonal skills and integrity and the ability to keep information confidential.
• Uses good judgment; evaluates alternatives in the achievement of quality outcomes.
• Results-/Solution-oriented; flexible.
• Passion for the Corps and ability to articulate its mission.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (from an accredited institution) in a related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of management or fundraising/fund development/marketing/public relations experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Master’s degree (from an accredited institution) in a related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of contract management and membership development, preferred.
• Previous experience working in a non-profit organization, preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must be COVID-19 vaccinated and be able to provide supporting documentation.
• Pass a post-offer drug/alcohol screen test before commencing employment (required to submit for the drug/alcohol screening at a company designated facility).
• Pass a post-offer Live Scan (fingerprint/background clearance-Department of Justice) before commencing employment.
• If a private vehicle is utilized for company purposes validation of a California Class C Driver’s License, validation of driving record and approval of commercial policy insurability is required in conjunction with proof of personal minimum liability insurance coverage per the requirements of the state of California.

• Reference checks will be conducted; employment is contingent upon receipt of acceptable references.
• Attend events and meetings in the community to support the program. This can involve working Saturdays or Sundays, as needed.
• Occasional use of private vehicle for company purposes; validation of driving record and approval of commercial policy insurability is required in conjunction with proof of personal minimum liability insurance coverage per the requirements of the State of California. Mileage will be reimbursed at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard mileage rate.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary $120,615 - $166,941annually; a starting salary higher than $120,615 per year is based on a level of experience and education that exceeds the minimum requirements and is commensurate with the compensation scale (salary range).
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits with 100% employer coverage of costs for employee and 80% coverage for additional family members.
• 3 weeks of vacation at hire; 11 paid Holidays and 80 hours of sick time accrued per year.
• 401k retirement plan with match of up to 4%.

Internal Application Procedure

Internal applicants must review the Transfers/Promotions guidelines and complete a LA Conservation Corps Transfer/Promotion Career Opportunity Application within three (3) working days of the “Posting Date.” This information can be requested from the Human Resources Department. The internal application should be submitted to Human Resources by the Internal Closing Date or within three (3) working days of the “Posting Date.”

External Application Procedure

Upload cover letter and resume. The Los Angeles Conservation Corps only employs individuals who are lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

You will be requested to complete an application at a later date if you are chosen for an interview. Based upon a review of your application and supportive information, applicants will be considered for the interview portion. The interview will cover education and experience requirements. Applicants who need reasonable accommodations to apply or interview for this position must notify Human Resources at least four (4) business days before the closing date of the position or, if applicable, at the time an interview is scheduled.

AAO/EEO Statement

It is the policy of LA Conservation Corps to seek and employ qualified workforce at all locations, job sites, and facilities, and to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees in recruiting, hiring, placement, training, compensation and benefits, promotion, transfer, and termination.

LA Conservation Corps

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lacorps.org