Posted on November 9, 2012

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Deputy Director of Major Gifts

Organization’s Mission and Goals

City Year was founded in 1988 on the belief that young people can change the world. The organization unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors, and role models, these diverse young leaders make a difference in the lives of children, and transform schools and neighborhoods in 19 U.S. locations. City Year’s vision is that one day the most commonly asked question of a young person will be, “Where are you going to do your service year?”

City Year Los Angeles (CYLA) was founded in 2007 with an inaugural corps of 75 and has reached 275 by its sixth year.

City Year Service

City Year is focused on significantly reducing the high school dropout rate in each of our target cities. Through City Year’s Whole School Whole Child service model, City Year deploys diverse teams of full-time corps members in schools to help students stay on track – and get back on track – to graduate. Corps members serve in schools as tutors, mentors, role models and leaders of after-school programs. As near-peers, corps members are uniquely able to help improve student attendance, behavior and coursework – which research confirms are indicators of a student's likelihood of graduating from high school. This school-based service is at the heart of City Year’s approach to helping students and schools succeed.

Position Overview

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, The Deputy Director, Major Gifts (DDMG) will lead overall fundraising campaign including annual, major and individual giving as well as spearhead City Year Los Angeles’ Growth Campaign by growing the corps from 200 today with $8 million operating budget to 400 over the next five years, with an operating budget of $15 million. The DDMG will work with the Executive Director, Board and staff to determine and execute the most effective ways of increasing our support base, particularly in the form of large major gifts from the onset. The DDMG will continue to engage and cultivate Board leadership, build effective relationships internally and externally, and identify and cultivate new and existing top-level donors for City Year Los Angeles.

Responsibilities

Donor Strategy, Communications & Cultivation: Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of current and future leadership and major donors and strengthen individual giving through a major gifts program. Develop successful cultivation and solicitation strategies to direct and monitor the progress of donor relationships and promote City Year’s giving circles to recognize donors for their philanthropic generosity. Lead excellent donor interaction and communication.

Growth Campaign Lead: Grow City Year Los Angeles corps from 210 today with $8 million operating budget to 400 over next five years, with operating budget of $15 million.

Board Engagement: Provide board members with the tools, support and on-going partnership they need to help significantly grow funding base in Los Angeles. Support the Executive Director in Board strategy development, Board meeting preparation and Board member cultivation. Manage Board Development Committee.

Events: Work with the development team to leverage existing and future City Year Los Angeles events, such as annual Spring Break event, friend raisers, and other select gatherings to fundraise and engage high net worth individuals.

Senior Staff & Volunteer Partnership: Leverage the Executive Director, other senior City Year staff (locally and nationally) and volunteer leadership to deepen, solidify and cultivate donor relationships. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key constituents and other community organizations.

Community Representation: Represent City Year at corporate and community functions to establish and deepen potential and current donor relationships and to actively expand the awareness and impact of City Year.

Organization Initiatives: Advance the site's vision and goals, increase the quality of collaboration and alignment between departments and National Development team, critically examine the direction of the organization, implement widespread policy changes and participate in site-wide and network-wide events and initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

The Deputy Director, Major Gifts will be a proven fundraiser with broad experience, an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for education. The DDMG will be a strategist, a team builder, results oriented, a highly skilled communicator and a collaborator. This individual will have 7 to 10 years of relevant fundraising experience as well as a successful track record of raising $10,000+ gifts. The ideal candidate will be an adept relationship manager with knowledge of the Los Angeles financial, entertainment and philanthropic communities. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred. A commitment to excellence and to the mission of City Year is a must.

Competitive salary and benefits.

Great benefits include healthcare, insurance, vacation, holidays, 401K, FSA, and more.

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants should forward cover letter, resume and references to: cylajobs@cityyear.org, subject: CYLA Deputy Director, Major Gifts. Please include where you found this City Year posting.