Connections for Children - Senior Manager of External Affairs

Envision Consulting•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Connections for Children (CFC) is a key community resource dedicated to empowering families and childcare providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. CFC strengthens the connection between families, providers, and the community through comprehensive resources, referrals, and training programs, promoting child well-being and development. The organization is committed to equity and excellence, advocating for children's nurturing and educational needs and adapting to community changes. CFC is expanding its programs to serve more people in Los Angeles County's Westside and South Bay communities, while investing in staff and organizational capacity. By diversifying its revenue base, CFC aims to sustain and grow its impact, prioritizing equity and inclusivity to serve underserved populations and foster innovation and partnerships.

Requirements

At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, fund development, or external affairs, preferably within a nonprofit environment.
Progressive leadership experience, including direct management of staff, external consultants, grants, and budgets.
Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.
Record of raising large scale revenue through a mix of major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and fundraising campaigns.
Success in cultivating partnerships, stewarding donors, and serving as an ambassador of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to identify, recruit, and manage external consultants and vendors.
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Proficient in CRM and digital marketing technologies to support strategic outreach and engagement.
Ability to travel locally for meetings and events and work occasional evenings and weekends; valid CA driver’s license and insurance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, business, nonprofit management, or a related field, desired.

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy encompassing messaging, branding, distribution channels, digital and traditional media, and community outreach.
Establish systems and tools to ensure consistent branding, voice, and quality control across all external communications.
Drive the development and execution of integrated marketing plans and strategic communications aligned with programmatic, fund development, and organizational priorities and desired outcomes.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts; analyze performance metrics and return on investment to refine strategies, identify trends, and optimize campaigns.
Collaborate with agency leadership to align and support internal communications and external crisis communications that strengthen staff cohesion, transparency, and mission alignment.
Lead identification and pursuit of diverse fund development opportunities, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving, grants, and special events.
Set and manage short- and long-term revenue goals across multiple fundraising streams; build and maintain prospect pipelines.
Raise a minimum of $300,000 in unrestricted revenue within the first 12-18 months of hire.
Cultivate and maintain strategic funding partnerships with businesses, foundations, and community organizations.
Oversee portfolio of individual donors and prospects; guide development of cases for support and customized donor materials.
Grow and maintain a sustainable donor base through donor acquisition, retention, renewal, and stewardship strategies that cultivate long-term relationships.
Collaborate with Board members to advance resource development, including support for the Fund Development Committee.
Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic plan implementation and cross-functional collaboration.
Manage and mentor staff, promoting a high-performance culture rooted in learning, accountability, and purpose.
Develop and manage the department’s budget, including revenue targets and expense oversight.
Represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and community events.
Advance CFC's role as a thought leader by identifying and supporting opportunities for public speaking, media engagement, and showcasing organizational expertise and impact.