Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team.
About First Place for Youth, were a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.
Why Work at First Place For Youth:
- Meaningful Impact: Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
- Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and youll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
- Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
- Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
- Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Development (LA) position is a new leadership role in the Development Department at First Place. This dynamic role supports and guides private fundraising efforts for the organizationworking with and growing a portfolio of individual donors in Southern California, along with local institutional funders and corporate partners. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned development professional who enjoys working independently and as part of a team to guide fundraising efforts for a mission-driven organization. The Director reports to the Chief Development Officer and works closely with the Bay Area-based Development Director to shape, plan, and implement First Places annual private fundraising strategy, which includes raising $7M - $10M annually from foundations, individual donors, and corporate partners. First Place has a strong track record of fundraising success over its 27-year history and is beginning an ambitious growth plan to greatly expand youth services in Southern California. The Director will be someone who thrives on relationship-building with both major and annual donors, activating networks, and designing multi-year fundraising strategies across diverse (non-public) funding streams. The position will be supported by the Development team (based in our Bay Area HQ), and will also work closely with the CEO and Regional Director of Southern California.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Individual Donors, Foundation and Corporate Partnerships (70%)
- Identify and cultivate new major donors in Southern California and manage a portfolio of existing donors to support the organizations growth plans.
- Build relationships with First Places existing portfolio of LA-based funders and corporate partners with assistance from the Chief Development Officer and the CEO.
- Develop an annual individual donor giving strategy focused on Southern California, including maintaining a calendar of proposals and reports.
- For reference, FY25 LA-based fundraising was approximately $4M or 50% of total organization private dollars raised.
Events (10%)
- Develop an annual donor-facing events strategy to raise private dollars from major donors and corporate sponsors.
- Work closely with the Development and Communications teams to plan and execute events, including marketing, staffing event committees, and post-event donor stewardship.
Board Engagement (10%)
- Along with the CEO, serve as the liaison to the Southern California Regional Board of Directors.
- Create engaging and informative quarterly Board meetings and regularly engage with Board members to strengthen their skills as First Place Ambassadors, share their networks, and explore opportunities to activate their expertise to advance our fundraising, communications, and programmatic goals in the region.
Communications and Marketing (5%)
- The Director will work closely with the Communications Director and the Bay Area-based Development Director to ensure that First Places donor-facing communications best represent the organization and our young people with integrity, clarity and a clear brand voice while supporting our ambitious goals.
- Work alongside the Communications Director to ensure branded, inspiring communications materials that target segmented donor audiences with ongoing clear, compelling messaging.
- Working with the Chief Development Officer, lead and train First Place staff across departments to effectively message and communicate about our organization to external audiencesincluding funders, community partners, and internally with fellow staff. Utilize external meetings, funding partner resources, conferences, and speaking engagements to build the kind of visibility and financial support that advances First Places mission.
Team Leadership (5%)
- This position currently has no direct supervision responsibilities but will provide overall leadership to the Development team, alongside the Development Director and Communications Director. Motivate, inspire, manage and develop staff so they continue to be informed and passionate about our mission, and committed to First Places core values.
- Utilize a strengths-based approach to management, provide ongoing guidance and coaching to members of the team.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree required.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including strong familiarity with best practices in engagement and stewardship of donors and funders, growing a donor portfolio and moves management best practices.
- A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
- Experience soliciting and closing 5- and 6-figure gifts required.
- Experience with communications, special event planning, individual giving, and corporate partnerships is highly desirable.
- A track record of successfully managing staff and collaborating with peers.
- Ability to think strategically, then communicate and implement innovative ideas successfully.
- Highly organized with superior attention to detail and project management skills.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to take initiative, be proactive, and independent.
- Excellent communication skills, including written, interpersonal, and presentation skills for potential funders.
- Commitment to the mission of First Place for Youth.
- Raisers Edge experience preferred.
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.
Benefits:
- 15 days of vacation time in the first year
- 12 days of sick time
- 2 floating holidays
- 15 paid holidays
- Employees choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
- Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
- Paid baby bonding leave
- Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
- Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid sabbatical
- Paid maternity and paternity leave
*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred
*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.
