Director of Individual Giving

Sterling Search • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit the Director of Individual Giving for Children’s Institute. At Children's Institute, we believe that every child deserves to realize their abundant potential, leading to a fulfilling life. We are partners in healing and growth for children and families in Los Angeles communities affected by underinvestment. Children's Institute’s two generation approach strengthens individuals, families, and communities for healing, wellness, and success. We offer high-quality early education and youth programs, counseling services, parenting supports, workforce and community leadership development and advocacy.

Children’s Institute (CII) offers a unique blend of stability, legacy, and purpose. Backed by long-term government contracts, the organization provides financial strength and consistency, with a $108 million annual revenue, a committed Board of Directors and a 120+ year history, dating back to 1906, demonstrates lasting impact and resilience. At the same time, CII remains forward-looking and collaborative, working in close partnership with communities and public agencies to create meaningful change. Its track record of adapting through shifting budgets and policy environments reflects strong leadership and mission focus. Joining CII means being part of a trusted, resilient organization committed to improving the lives of children and families.

CII’s External Affairs team has been shaped for the past decade by the leadership of Chief External Affairs Officer Catherine Atack, a highly respected executive with more than twenty years of experience in development and communications. Reporting directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Director of Individual Giving will play a pivotal role within a department that oversees all fund development, strategic partnerships, communications, volunteers and advocacy. This is a high-visibility, high-impact position responsible for accelerating revenue growth across CII’s individual and corporate giving programs, including the organization’s signature gala, which currently raises approximately $800,000 and is poised for significant expansion. The Director also leads CII’s major gifts program, defined as gifts of $25,000 and above, representing one of the organization’s greatest opportunities for measurable growth. The incoming Director will inherit a strong foundation of individual and corporate donors, with ample room to build, deepen, and diversify the pipeline. They will manage one direct report who supports event logistics, donor research, stewardship, and administrative functions. Early priorities include assessing the current portfolio and strategically aligning prospects among the Chief External Affairs Officer, the CEO, and the Director to maximize cultivation and impact. This is the most senior major gifts role at CII, an opportunity to shape a growing program, elevate philanthropic investment, and contribute meaningfully to one of Los Angeles’ most respected and mission-driven organizations serving children and families.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with at least 3 years managing individual or major gift portfolios.
• Demonstrated success cultivating six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals and corporate sponsors.
• Experience leading fundraising events and donor stewardship initiatives.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license and state-required auto insurance or reliable access to transportation depending on business needs.
• Required to travel as needed
• Participates in, conducts, and sustains performance quality improvement activities according to designated role and responsibilities.
• Sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Punctual and dependable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and corporate donors, with an emphasis on long-term relationship development to increase donors and revenue over time.
• Manage and expand a donor portfolio to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and corporate partners.
• Use moves management and data-informed strategies to track engagement, set targets, and monitor performance metrics.
• Lead and design programming for CII’s annual Cape & Gown Gala to achieve a minimum revenue goal of $1.2 million and maintain a cost-to-raise ratio of 20% or less.
• Partner with the Marketing & Communications team to develop compelling donor materials, impact communications, and case statements aligned with CII’s mission.
• Cultivate and steward corporate giving relationships in coordination with Volunteer & Community Engagement staff, with an emphasis on sponsorship, employee engagement, and social impact alignment.
• Identify and qualify new donor prospects through research, network mapping, and internal referrals to grow the individual giving pipeline.
• Collaborate with program and finance teams to align donor engagement strategies with CII’s funding priorities and service delivery goals.
• Monitor fundraising performance, assess donor experience, and recommend improvements to support sustained giving and donor retention.
• Serve as a visible representative of CII at community events.
• Participate in department meetings, strategy sessions, and training as needed.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the direct reports.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• This job supervises up to 1 staff member.

Benefits

• $140,000 - $160,000 annual salary
• Generous paid PTO, plus 10 paid holidays and closed between Christmas and New Year.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and qualified dependents.
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer contribution of 2.5%.
• Up to $4,500 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year plus many more generous benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director