LEGAL AID FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

ABOUT LEGAL AID FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is a nonprofit law firm that provides direct client services to more than 100,000 of the most vulnerable Angelinos, ensuring that those living in poverty are treated fairly under the justice system. Through a wide range of legal services, system change work and community education, LAFLA seeks to counteract the root causes of poverty and combat the racial, social and economic injustices that those in poverty face. LAFLA’s neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, multi-language call center, and domestic violence clinics help to position LAFLA on the frontlines of community response and at the forefront of societal change.

As the justice gap continues to wreak havoc on low-income communities during this relentless Covid-19 pandemic, LAFLA has expanded its vital programs and services to meet the increasing needs of its community. In addition to convening community-based organizations and other key partners, LAFLA's expert team of attorneys, paralegals, support staff and volunteers work tirelessly to keep families housed and employed, healthcare and government benefits accessible, and domestic abuse survivors safe. Driven by a need to provide both compassion and humanity, LAFLA fights for justice for all.

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR POSITION OVERVIEW (SEE CANDIDATE PROFILE) 

With a focus on growth and expansion of its vital services, LAFLA seeks an experienced and dedicated development professional who will work with the Executive Director, development team, and Board of Directors to create and implement a comprehensive fundraising and marketing plan. Building upon the organization’s past success, including its robust grants program and signature gala, the ideal candidate will focus on major gifts, improve communications and digital marketing, and increase corporate and foundation giving.

With a strong track record of designing and executing new funding initiatives, the Chief Development Director must be a well-organized, strategic thinker with a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to mentoring staff, meeting fundraising goals, and constantly focusing on quality results. This individual will work closely with all stakeholders, manage the development and marketing department, represent LAFLA at community events and the general public, and will collaborate with the leadership team on new initiatives. The incoming CDD will be highly attuned to issues of systemic racism and will lead with inclusivity and high ethical standards.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on creating fund development strategies that are aligned with the agency’s mission and values.
• Design and lead the implementation of annual and long-term fund development plans to secure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team, acting as a spokesperson for the agency at community events, partnership meetings and to the media.
• Manage and mentor a team of 5 with clear goals and objectives, ensuring accurate and timely reports on income, expenses, events, grants, communications and donor acknowledgements.

Individual & Institutional Giving

• Serve as the agency’s lead major gifts officer, cultivating gifts of $10K and above, as well as develop and manage the organization’s legacy giving program.
• Manage all aspects of the corporate giving program, designing sponsorships that attract and retain business partners who share LAFLA’s values and vision.
• Lead and ensure a robust moves management program, including donor identification, research, cultivation, and recognition.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to design, launch and recruit an Advisory Committee for the purpose of additional resource development.
• Oversee a robust grants management program, with the support of a Grants Manager, ensuring applications and reports are submitted on time and meet all necessary requirements.
• Oversee the planning and execution of the Access to Justice Gala, and continue to grow its support base and fundraising success.
• Work closely with the Director of Strategic Projects on the East Office Capital Campaign and potential future capital campaigns.

Communications/Digital Marketing

• Ensure quality control for all forms of external communications with consideration for LAFLA’s various audiences and stakeholders.
• With the support of a communications manager, develop and implement a year-round marketing and communications plan in tandem with the fundraising plan, including digital fundraising campaigns, community education and awareness campaigns.
• Assist Board members and and other key volunteers to fulfill their responsibilities as it relates to fundraising and communications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in fund development required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in business, philanthropy, marketing and communications, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience required.
• Ability to use interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with potential funders, board members, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Track record of building individual and major gift programs: identifying prospects, cultivating new donor relationships, and closing major gifts of over $10,000 on a regular basis.
• Comprehensive staff management skills, including experience building, mentoring and coaching a team of high-performing professionals, with a commitment to the continuous education and training of the development team.
• In-depth and current knowledge of fundraising practices and procedures, with a strong understanding of donor management systems.
• Experience in producing successful and meaningful special events.
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

LAFLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, political affiliation or citizenship. All qualified applicants, including minorities and women, are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary range is $150,000 - $180,000. LAFLA offers a generous benefits package including vacation and sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and 403B contributions.

Envision Consulting was retained by LAFLA to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Development Director.