Senior Director of Development and Communications

Safe Place For Youth • Venice, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• comprehensive health coverage
• 403b with agency contribution
• ample paid time off
• professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth

What This Job Offers

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