Application Instructions

Click Apply to submit your online application. Please attach a resume and thoughtful cover letter on the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV" field.

Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally.

Number of Positions: 1

Compensation: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually Commensurate with Experience and Location

Position Overview

City Year Los Angeles is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Senior Individual Giving Director, who will be responsible for leading efforts to steward current individual donors and identify and secure new donors at the $10K level and above. Reporting to the Major Gifts and Foundations Officer, the Senior Individual Giving Director will be a key member of the Development team focused on growing the base of support and donor retention. They will contribute to the site’s fundraising and relationship management strategies, ensuring high-touch stewardship and personalized donor journeys to meet an annual revenue goal of $1MM-1.5MM from both existing and new individual donors.
The Senior Individual Giving Director is a relationship builder who proactively seeks opportunities to engage with current and potential donors to help the development team meet our overall fundraising goal of $8,000,000 for City Year Los Angeles. They are committed to refining their skills in donor acquisition strategies, tailored engagement, and junior board management. They do this by identifying, researching, and qualifying prospective new donors; soliciting gifts; and devising creative, compelling, and meaningful ways to engage and solicit new funding. This individual is a strategic fundraiser with a strong sense of ownership over their portfolio and an ambition to grow it sustainably.
We have clear goals, defined strategies, and a healthy donor base. You’ll bring exceptional communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a desire to collaborate across the organization to contribute to our success.

City Year values and continuously works to build an equitable and inclusive culture where people with diverse lived experiences feel they belong.

Job Description

Existing Donor Management

• Build and manage a well-balanced and diversified portfolio with a personal annual revenue target of $1-$1.5M, consisting of prospects and new and existing individual donors.
• In collaboration with the Senior Donor Relations Manager, oversee stewardship plans for CYLA mid-level donors ($1K - $9999), manage timely and meaningful outreach, communication, and involvement.
• In collaboration with the Major Gifts and Foundations Officer and the Senior Donor Relations Manager, develop tailored strategies for donor upgrades with the goal of increasing giving at all levels.
• Co-manage CYLA Associates Board, focusing on intentional engagement and execution of all touchpoints, to cultivate leadership-level giving and increased participation.
• Leverage events such as the Spring Break fundraiser and other donor gatherings to maximize donor touchpoints and solicit gifts from both existing and potential sponsors.

Donor Acquisition Strategy

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to identify and cultivate new individual donors with the potential to make gifts of $10,000 or more by researching and identifying individuals from events, service days, and volunteer opportunities.
• Leverage networking opportunities and referrals from board members, donors, and key stakeholders to expand the pipeline of high-potential individual donors.
• Conduct prospect research, including scanning annual reports, gala sponsorships, and other sources, to build a qualified pipeline of new individual donors.
• Engage prospects effectively through one-on-one meetings, personalized communications, and authentic relationship-building at virtual and in-person events.

New Individual Donor Cultivation

• Design and lead tailored solicitation strategies for new prospects, including proposal writing, pitch preparation, and strategic follow-up.
• In collaboration with the Senior Donor Relations Manager, create opportunities for donor involvement in supporting AmeriCorps member professional development through networking events and other engagement activities.
• Cultivate and engage new individual prospects weekly, aiming to reach an annual goal of $250-400K in new revenue and upgraded contributions.
• Identify and nurture donors with the capacity for larger gifts, growing their engagement to a point where they can be transitioned to the Major Gifts and Foundations Officer for further cultivation and solicitation.

Ongoing Donor Engagement

• Maintain accurate records and donor information in Salesforce donor database within 24-48 hours, tracking qualification, cultivation, and stewardship activities and progress to goals.
• Ensure all donors, both existing and new, are added to mailing lists and campaigns for consistent communication.
• With support from the Senior Donor Relations Manager, regularly monitor gift progress and follow up to ensure timely collection.

Additional Site and Team Support

• Collaborate across the development team to integrate individual giving strategies into site-wide events, including service days (school beautification projects), and school visits for existing and potential donors.
• Actively participate in development team planning sessions to identify new opportunities for donor cultivation and revenue growth.
• Partner with CYLA departments and staff through event and service day participation and cross-departmental committees as needed to ensure site-wide goals are met

Key Competencies:

To succeed in this role, an applicant must have the following competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Natural Curiosity: Ability to conceptualize and analyze donor strategies, recognizing when to seek guidance and identify information gaps. Willingness to learn and actively see out new prospects and opportunities for growth.  
• Develop Relationships: Effectively build and leverage interpersonal interactions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and support interpersonal interactions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and support City Year’s mission. Demonstrate cultural/diversity competence and build trust with key stakeholders both internal and external to City Year.
• Communication: Craft articulate and persuasive proposals, donor communications, and engagement materials. Inspire and connect with diverse audiences through both written and verbal communication. Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to feedback.
• Manage to Results: Set realistic, achievable goals and milestones and break them into actionable steps. Adapt to obstacles and provide leadership to others in achieving success, taking initiative, and working collaboratively.    
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Apply experience, creativity, and critical thinking to overcome challenges. Use sound judgment to make informed, ethical decisions that align with City Year’s values and mission.  

Qualifications:

We listed what we have seen as skills key to achieving the results of this role. You don’t have to satisfy every requirement or qualification listed. If you have transferable skills and are excited about this role, please apply!

• 3-5 years relevant experience in non-profit fundraising.
• Ability to thrive under pressure, effectively prioritizing tasks, and meet short deadlines both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on achieving goals through an efficient and structured process.
• Flexibility to meet sudden and unpredictable needs and willingness to work outside standard established business hours.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term plans.
• Solid, persuasive communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong research skills for identifying and vetting potential donors.
• Passion for City Year’s mission and commitment to being a team player.

Benefits