Founded in 2007 by former Ramona Gardens neighborhood resident Maria "Lou" Calanche, Legacy LA's mission is to make positive interventions in the lives of young people by offering alternatives to gangs and violence. Legacy LA builds the capacity of youth to reach their full potential and equips them with tools to transform their lives and community. We do this by addressing the impact of multi-generational gang violence and low educational attainment in Ramona Gardens in Boyle Heights. Our strategies include Dream Big Youth Leadership, Student Success Academic Support Program, and Parent Programming and Supports.
About this job
Legacy LA seeks a passionate and resourceful individual for the Development Director position. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Development Director (Director) will spearhead development efforts as Legacy LA continues to grow. A new position in the organization, the Director will have the opportunity to build the development function. This role is best suited for an experienced fundraising or grant writing professional capable of working independently and managing multiple priorities. This is a hybrid position that currently requires at least 2 days in the office each week and requires staff to live in the Los Angeles region.
Salary & Benefits
Starting annual salary will be dependent on qualifications; however, the annual salary range is projected at $85,000 - $100,000. Benefits include health, dental, vision, vacation, sick days, and holiday pay.
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and execute Legacy LA’s development strategy for diverse revenue streams, including foundations, individuals, corporations, government, and events.
- Design and implement annual and long-term fundraising plans.
- Evaluate and refine strategies on an ongoing basis to meet or exceed revenue goals.
- Continuous improvement of Legacy’s grant management strategy, including the submission of compelling proposals, reports to funders, and cultivation of existing and new donors.
- Work with staff and board to oversee special events and fundraisers to increase the organization’s visibility and unrestricted funds.
- Build and maintain a robust prospect list by researching new individual, foundation, corporate, and government prospects.
- Supervise staff (development manager) and serve as liaison with external consultants (Grant writers).
- Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach.
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, set objectives, establish priorities, monitor and evaluate results, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
- Oversee management of the grants calendar, active grants, and donor files.
- Oversee management of donor database, donor reporting and acknowledgements, and gift processing.
- Oversee the strategy and coordination of donor site visits and events.
- Cultivate donors through authentic relationship building, outreach, networking, and strategic communications.
- Represent Legacy LA with community, partnerships, funder, and donor events.
- Develop a strong working relationship with the board of directors, and serve as staff liaison for the board fundraising committee.
- Serve as a senior member of the management team and collaborate effectively with finance and program staff.
- Nurture a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
- Lead Legacy’s communications strategies, including newsletters, appeals, donor acknowledgement, and others.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree, with a major in a related field.
EXPERIENCE:
At least 5 years of professional experience in development or grant writing positions.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
The Development Director will be thoroughly committed to Legacy LA’s mission. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:
- Empathetic leader who lives Legacy’s values of integrity, community, and dreams big.
- Excellent writing and communication skills (demonstration of writing and editing skills may be requested during the interview stage).
- A commitment to and passion for social justice.
- Comfortable interacting with a wide variety of stakeholders ranging from foundation staff, individual donors, youth, and community residents.
- Able to quickly establish positive relationships across multiple teams.
- Self-motivated person who is able to work independently and efficiently.
- Action-oriented, adaptable, with an aptitude to innovate, take initiative, and has an ambitious nature.
- Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple priorities.
- Creative person who values taking initiative and is solutions-focused.
- High attention to detail and proven ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Preference for bilingual candidates (Spanish/English), or candidates with some baseline of verbal competency with a commitment to grow Spanish communication skills.
- Passion, integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of the strengths and issues impacting the Boyle Heights/surrounding communities.
- A flexible team player with a strong work ethic, able to work flexible hours when needed, including some evenings and weekends.
- Familiarity working with government partnerships and contracts.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Use of an automobile may be required for this position.
Insurance Requirement: Evidence of adequate insurance for a motor vehicle that meets or exceeds the California legal liability insurance requirement and continued insurability.
To apply
TO APPLY:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and your answers to the application questions below with ‘Legacy LA Development Director’ in the subject line to
Application Questions:
- How did you hear about this position?
- Why are you interested in Legacy LA’s Development Director role at this point in your career?
- Tell us how you think your skills and experience can help advance the justice-centered work of Legacy LA.
- Reflecting on your most recent and/or relevant role, please share what specific responsibilities and technical experiences you have that would set you up for success to serve as the Development Director of Legacy LA?