JOB TITLE: Senior Director of Development and Communications

REPORTS TO: Chief Impact Officer

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (8:30 am-5:00pm)

LOCATION: Venice, CA, Access Center (Hybrid)

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Exempt 

DRIVER POSITION: Yes [If yes, please reference driving policy]

SALARY RANGE: $110,000.00 - $115,000.00 Annually

ABOUT US: 

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. 

SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Senior Director of Development and Communications (SDDC) leads SPY’s fundraising and communications programs to achieve ambitious financial and relationship-building goals. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer (CIO), the SDDC works with the organization’s Board of Directors and leadership team, to maintain and increase financial support and public image for the organization and helps to shape strategy and tactics as the leader of the Development team. Additionally the SDDC will guide and develop strategic marketing initiatives targeting the organization’s diverse audiences, utilizing communications strategies to raise awareness about youth homelessness and secure funds for Safe Place for Youth. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• In coordination with the CIO, lead team to develop and execute multi-year strategic fundraising and communications goals and annual work plans
• Oversee a comprehensive database of donors and supporters. Collaborate with the CIO, the CEO, the Board and the development team on the strategy around identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors and prospects.
• Motivate, supervise, evaluate, and mentor the team and create a supportive, collaborative, productive, and healthy work environment based on respect, teamwork, and clear expectations and responsibilities.
• Manage a portfolio of high net worth donors and prospects and develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for those donors.
• Manage a robust and growing corporate donor portfolio. Responsible for research, communication and ongoing stewardship with existing and potential companies
• Oversee the implementation of an integrated Marketing & Communications strategy based on the brand’s positioning, defined organizational objectives, the market landscape, and a deep understanding of key internal and external audiences
• Provide strategic direction to the Marketing & Communications Manager in the creation of all communications and marketing materials and ensure a consistent message and look that builds a case for support. This includes but is not limited to social media, newsletters, fundraising materials, donor acknowledgments, annual reports, website, and grant proposals.
• As a passionate and informed advocate for youth experiencing homelessness, serve as one of the key spokespeople for the organization
• Oversee public relations activities to build SPY’s reputation and raise awareness about youth homelessness, including writing and distribution of press releases, working with youth members to share their stories. 
• Work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to align SPY’s communications strategies with brand vision and growth strategies considering audience, message, medium, timing, and ROI
• Lead performance management for all team members including coaching, disciplinary processes, and assurance that department goals and deadlines are met.
• Provide trauma-informed strengths-based supervision and professional development for supervisees. 
• Work with the CIO, the Executive Leadership Team and external Agency partners to implement SPY’s three-year strategic plan which includes securing financial support for organizational initiatives and clinical programs, an assessment of SPY’s brand awareness and streamlining of fundraising 
• Participate in Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) and ensure continuous quality improvement within the department
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. 
• 5+ years experience in developing fundraising strategies and managing year-round fundraising efforts, ideally for a growth stage organization is required.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills to engage with diverse donors and partners.
• Ability to create and implement efficient fundraising processes from scratch.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities to convey the organization’s mission and impact.
• Experience in managing communications programs that have driven measurable stakeholder engagement and growth in support of an organization’s development strategy.
• A proven track record of creating successful strategic messaging, campaigns and initiatives that drive corporate objectives and stakeholder engagement
• Advanced knowledge of current and emerging marketing trends and practices, including new and emerging strategies and technologies
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across the organization, serving as a resource to others, inclusive and respectful of others expertise and perspectives
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and political acumen to communicate and collaborate with a variety of professionals and public officials
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills, an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Superb written and oral communication skills
• Ability to coordinate and/or oversee the successful completion of projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated respect and collaboration with colleagues
• Willingness to develop a deep understanding of the social and political climate in SPA 5 
• Excellent verbal and written  communication skills
• Cultural humility
• Must have reliable transportation, valid California driver's license and proof of current insurance 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some nights and weekends may be required.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: All SPY employees are mandated reporters and are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are not guaranteed.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and ample paid time off. We also offer unique perks including professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. 

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application