Director of Development

At Saving Innocence, we support and empower children and adults impacted by human trafficking by disrupting cycles of abuse and confronting exploitation through strategic partnerships and trauma-responsive education, advocacy, and systems of care. We are a passionate team with a culture centered around values that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of our team members. We foster a supportive environment where self-care is prioritized, providing resources and initiatives to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Empowerment is woven into the fabric of our organization by nurturing leadership, celebrating achievements, and offering development opportunities. Collaboration is key to our success, as we believe in harnessing our team members’ collective talents and expertise. We emphasize the importance of relational connections, building trust, and camaraderie to create a positive and inclusive workplace community. Through these guiding principles, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential! Check www.savinginnocdev.wpengine.com for more information about the organization.

The Director of Development is a strategic relationship-builder who collaborates with the Executive Director to create and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan. This role focuses on expanding revenue through diverse sources, including high-net-worth individuals, grants, events, partnerships, and corporate sponsorships. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional adept at cultivating and maintaining donor relationships, with a proven ability to secure partnerships and grow a robust donor base.

Reports to: Executive Director, Alan Smyth

Status: Exempt, Salaried, Full Time, 40 hours per week

Compensation: $110,000-$125,000/annually

Work Location: This position is based in Los Angeles, CA and requires a hybrid work arrangement with a combination of in-person and remote work. The specific arrangement will be discussed with the successful candidate, keeping in mind the need for frequent in-person donor meetings and events.

Essential Duties

Relationship Building and Donor Engagement (50% of time)

• Spend 3-5 meetings per week engaging with current and potential donors through lunches, networking events, and one-on-one meetings
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, with emphasis on bringing in new major donors
• Create and foster relationships with community partners, foundations, and corporations
• Strategically nurture the existing donor base while focusing on attracting new supporters
• Engage with the advocacy team to understand and effectively communicate the organization’s ground-level work

Fundraising Strategy and Execution (25% of time)

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan
• Set and achieve progressive fundraising goals, starting with fully funding the position’s salary within 6 months of the start of employment
• Develop creative fundraising events and campaigns to meet budget numbers and yearly goals
• Lead and collaborate with the planning team to drive the success of fundraising events, including our annual Gala
• Play a key role in boosting event attendance through strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the research and application of county, state, and federal funding opportunities 
• Secure sponsorships and in-kind donations to support the event’s goals
• Partner with the event planner to ensure seamless execution and an outstanding event experience.
• Contribute to the development of a compelling and engaging event program
• Stay current with fundraising trends and best practices in the nonprofit community

Team Leadership and Collaboration (15% of time)

• Build and lead the Development Team as the organization grows
• Motivate and update the passionate, close-knit team
• Interact closely with other departments on projects
• Collaborate with the Development Associate on timely requests and communications

Data Management and Reporting (5% of time)

• Utilize and maintain the Saving Innocence donor CRM effectively
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities, donor engagement, and financial outcomes
• Analyze donor data to inform fundraising strategies and improve donor retention

Legal Compliance and Ethics (5% of time)

• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with federal and California state laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations
• Stay informed about changes in nonprofit fundraising legislation and update practices accordingly
• Oversee the accurate and timely filing of all required fundraising reports and disclosures
• Maintain ethical fundraising practices in line with industry standards and organizational values
• Ensure legal support is obtained as needed to address complex compliance issues

Organizational Alignment

• Articulate and demonstrate how personal and professional core values align with the organization’s mission and purpose
• Support organizational values (Collaboration, Self Care, Empowerment, Supportive Environment, and Relational) in all interactions
• Show eagerness to foster relationships with the advocacy team and understand the work on the ground that is the heartbeat of Saving Innocence.
• Stay on top of fundraising trends and the nonprofit community.
• Other responsibilities as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Five+ years in fundraising or related fields with experience in leadership or management roles, with proven ability to fundraise a budget
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to inspire diverse audiences and articulate Saving Innocence’s work compellingly
• Extensive experience in planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, particularly galas 
• Proven track record of personally securing attendance of major donors and high-value prospects at fundraising events
• Thorough understanding of federal and California state laws and regulations governing nonprofit fundraising
• Experience in ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and filing required reports
• Proficiency in fundraising best practices, compliance requirements, and CRM systems
• Excellent organizational skills and experience in managing and developing teams
• High level of comfort working with diverse staff and constituents, with an inclusive approach
• Sound judgment and commitment to high professional ethical standards
• Ability to recognize when legal support is needed for complex compliance issues
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed for events and programs
• Reliable, registered, and insured means of transportation
• Valid California driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Skills

• Exceptional relationship-building abilities with a proven track record of cultivating and soliciting major donors
• Strategic thinking and planning skills, particularly in developing comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive, self-starter attitude
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities
• Proficiency in crafting compelling fundraising narratives and proposals
• Knowledge of Request for Proposal (RFP) Submissions
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting fundraising data and donor trends
• Expertise in donor database management and fundraising software (e.g., Virtuous CRM)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to adapt to new technological platforms
• Comfort with Mac operating systems
• Demonstrated ability to organize and execute large-scale fundraising events
• Keen attention to detail, especially in maintaining legal and ethical compliance in fundraising activities
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic nonprofit environment
• Cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
• Ability to make persuasive funding requests (“the ask”) with confidence and tact
• Openness to feedback and continuous professional development (coachable)
• Familiarity with digital fundraising strategies and social media platforms for donor engagement

The ideal candidate will be exceptional at cultivating donor relationships,  loves working with a team and independently, and is up for a challenging and fulfilling position! Please submit your resume with a thoughtful cover letter to include why you want to join the Saving Innocence team. The cover letter is required to help us get to know you better understand your interest in working at Saving Innocence and how we can support you in your career goals. Submissions without a cover letter will not be considered until it’s received.

 BENEFITS

 

We care about our employees and we show it through the benefits we offer. Check them out!

 

• Paid Vacation: 20 days per calendar year, accrued at a rate of 6.67 hours per pay period.  Vacation time will accrue beginning on the first day of employment, for use after the first 90 days. 

 

• Paid Sick Leave: 6 days of Paid Sick Leave per calendar year

 

• Holiday Pay: (10 days annually observed as follows) New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

 

• Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage meeting ACA requirements with 90% of your coverage paid for by Saving Innocence; this will be available on the first day of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. SI also offers employer sponsored voluntary dental & vision plans.

 

• Retirement: Saving Innocence offers a 401(k) match of 100% of the employee’s 401(k) contributions up to 3% of their annual gross compensation.  This means that for every $1, Saving Innocence will match $1 to your account up to 3% of the eligible pay.  Vesting is immediate for employee deferrals.  Employer contributions are subject to a 5-year vesting schedule.  Employees are eligible to join the plan after 3 months of employment. 

 

• Maternity/Paternity Leave Wage Replacement: up to 8 weeks, coordinating with EDD

 

Additional Benefits:

• • Monthly Childcare Reimbursement: up to $200
  • Cell Phone or Reimbursement: Company iPhone to be used for all business-related communication during employment or monthly reimbursement of up to $25, for use of your personal cell phone
  • Internet Reimbursement: up to $25, monthly
  • Counseling Benefit: Up to 4 hours per month of paid time while attending counseling (voluntary) and up to 50% reimbursement of counseling fees
  • Jury Duty: 5 paid working days, annually, if called to Jury Duty
  • Laptop: Company laptop to be used for all required work during employment
  • Mileage Reimbursement: for all required miles traveled in your personal vehicle

• Saving Innocence/Hope Dealer Merchandise

• The opportunity to work with a passionate and caring team AND MORE!